Experimental investigation and correlation development for engine emissions with polycyclic aromatic blended formulated fuels

Abstract Higher engine out emissions are the challenges and need to be addressed for better environmental health. One of the leading emitters of harmful pollutants is the transportation sector. These harmful emissions are highly affected by fuel components and properties. Investigating the influence of dominant fuel composition such as aromatics can help reform diesel fuel with better aromatic types. Therefore, polycyclic aromatics with single and double ring structure were blended with a base fuel in 5, 10 and 15% by mass. The blended aromatics were then tested in direct injection combustion engine on variable load conditions. The results revealed that aromatic percentage in tested fuels promote engine out emissions. Methylnaphthalene blended fuel promotes CO, UHC, PM and smoke emission to the higher extent among different investigated aromatics. The efficacy of the aromatics on engine performance is also assessed experimentally and discussed. Engine performance deteriorates with the aromatic content in blends due to their low cetane number and heating value. The present study contributes knowledge towards better fuel formulation for lower emissions, improved performance and better engine compatibility with a particular type of single added aromatic.