Breakthrough in DME Technology Paves Way for Cleaner, More Efficient Engines

In India, the journal Science Direct reported publication of the Version of Record research paper on dimethyl ether (DME) as a low-carbon alternative to diesel by scholars at the Engine Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology.

The report highlighted that despite its potential, DME’s lower lubricity and viscosity present challenges for use in conventional fuel injection systems, necessitating innovative adaptations.

The report said the researchers have tackled these challenges by developing custom fuel injection equipment for a genset engine, optimizing the start of injection timing to compensate for DME’s delayed ignition.

This breakthrough allows the DME-fueled engine to operate at a constant speed of 1500 rpm across varying loads, achieving performance and emission characteristics comparable to traditional diesel engines. The tailored equipment effectively addresses DME’s injection timing issues, enhancing combustion efficiency.

According to the released paper, the environmental benefits of DME are notable. DME significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions due to its higher latent heat of vaporization and shorter ignition delay. Additionally, DME’s higher cetane number and superior spray atomization enhance fuel-air mixing, leading to more efficient combustion with lower carbon monoxide emissions while producing negligible soot due to the absence of carbon-carbon bonds in DME’s structure.

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