IIT-Delhi Researchers Developed Flex-Fuel Engine Technology; Make Use of Eco-Friendly Dimethyl Ether

Researchers from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE) at IIT Delhi, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC R&D), and Ashok Leyland Ltd. have developed a technology that allows a diesel-powered vehicle to run in flex-fuel mode, meaning it can run on either 100 percent diesel or DME plus diesel. The project was funded by the Indian government's Department of Science and Technology (DST).

On a trial basis, the researchers converted a diesel-powered automobile into a flex-fuel vehicle using this technology. In the presence of senior officials from IIT Delhi, IOC R&D, and auto major Ashok Leyland, Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST; Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi; Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), Indian Oil; Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice President, Ashok Leyland; Prof. Sunil Kumar Khare, Dean R&D, IIT Delhi; Prof. K. A. Sub

IIT Delhi developed the flex-fuel engine technology for use with DME, and IOC R&D conducted endurance and field trials tests and developed the dedicated engine oil with Ashok Leyland's technical assistance. Developed Research Test Set-up at Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE), IIT Delhi

Because it has a higher cetane number (58) than conventional diesel, dimethyl ether (DME) is one of the alternative fuels for compression ignition engines/vehicles (51).

Through gasification and the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis process, DME can be made from biomass, coal, industrial wastes, municipal solid wastes, and black liquor (a by-product of pulp). It can also be made by catalytic methanol dehydration.

DME is typically stored as a liquid, and phase transitions from liquid to vapour/gas are common at ambient temperatures and pressures.

Key highlights of the technology developed by IIT Delhi, IOC R&D, and Ashok Leyland:

• Technology for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (Vehicle can run both modes: either 100 percent diesel or DME-Diesel mode)

• The conversion of diesel trucks from conventional diesel to DME as an alternative fuel (first phase as a Flex Fuel Vehicle; second phase as a 100% DME/alternative fuelled vehicle)

• Smoke/soot/PM emissions are reduced / non-existent.

• Engine/vehicle operation is smoother, resulting in less noise.

• The performance of the transient engine has improved.

• Increasing energy security

As a result of the significant reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the environment is more sustainable.