TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT FOR USAGE OF BIO-DIESEL AND HVO IN CUMMINS HIGH HORSEPOWER ENGINES

Abstract

The world is facing the pressing issues of rising global temperatures and an escalating need for renewable energy sources. As natural energy resources continue to deplete considering the significant demand for petroleum fuels in the power generation, transportation, and agricultural sectors, there is a growing emphasis on developing feasible solutions for usage of alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels. This trend is gaining momentum as an array of solutions are being introduced to the market. Paraffinic fuels: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Biodiesel (FAME) are being increasingly seen as a viable substitute for traditional diesel fuel. Based on government mandates, there is an increasing demand of the application of non-diesel fuels applications for High Horsepower Engines from the customers’ end. CMI & Cummins India are working together to identify, benchmark and evaluate non-diesel fuel options like Biodiesel blends and HVO in various Cummins HHP applications. The present project aims to add to the efforts of understanding usage of Biodiesel Blends and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in various Cummins applications by Combustion Simulation, Field & Test cell Performance and Production Validation methodologies. The objective is to compare the in-cylinder performance and emissions characteristics of Cummins HHP engines using different fuels: Diesel, HVO, and biodiesel blends (ranging from 20% to 100% volume of biodiesel with diesel). The project intends to conduct these comparisons without making any modifications to the engine or fuel. Additionally, the project aims to study the compatibility of Cummins engine components, such as fuel filters, with biodiesel blends (B20, B40, B50, B75 & B100) and HVO. It also includes the simulation of in-cylinder iv performance using GT-Power software and the development of a predictive combustion model for various biodiesel blends. When running the test engine with different fuels and same combustion inputs, the drop of 1.03% in peak torque at 1500 rpm was observed for HVO and a significant reduction of 10.9% in peak torque for Biodiesel (B100). The in-cylinder performance parameters indicates an increase of 5% fuel consumption for Biodiesel whereas 3% reduction for HVO compared to Diesel. Brake Thermal Efficiency of HVO is higher by 3% and lower by 12% for Biodiesel throughout the torque curve. The lower efficiency of Biodiesel is attributed to the low calorific value of the fuel. Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) is higher for both the fuels than baseline fuel. Comparative analysis of emission parameters indicate that HVO is much cleaner fuel than Diesel. All the major pollutants like NOx, Hydrocarbons, CO and PM show a reduction in the emission levels by 10.4%, 31.37% and 25% respectively. However, Biodiesel shows slight increase in the NOx emissions by 8.8% but reduction in other pollutants like CO and PM. The simulation model results of the predictive combustion model for Biodiesel blends show that the in-cylinder performance parameters are within the +/-3% error band and the model and can be used to observe combustion behaviour and provide reliable predictions for future cases.