A review on effects of diethyl ether on cyclic variations in diesel engines

Abstract

This review study was compiled from the results of various researches regarding the use of diethyl ether as a fuel or fuel additive in diesel engines. Three techniques are employed for decreasing the hazardous exhaust emissions of diesel engines. The first technique for reducing harmful emissions involves improving combustion by modifying the engine design and fuel injection system; however, this process is both costly and time consuming. The second technique entails using various exhaust gas devices, such as a catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter. However, these devices can have a negative impact on the performance of diesel engines. The last way of reducing emissions and improving diesel engine performance is to use different alternative fuels or fuel additives. Diesel engines primarily release two major pollutants into the atmosphere: oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). It is very difficult to reduce both NOx and PM at the same time in practice. The most research indicates that the most effective way to reduce emissions is to use alternative fuels such as natural gas, biogas, biodiesel, or adding additives to either alternative fuels or conventional diesel fuel. On the other hand, the fuel used has a significant influence on the cycle variations, which in turn has a major effect on the engine performance characteristics, fuel consumption, and exhaust emissions. It is thus essential to comprehensively assess the results of various investigations of alternative fuels or fuel additives before implementation. This study particularly focuses on the use of diethyl ether in diesel engines as fuel or fuel additive in different diesel engine fuels. This review study investigates the effects of the addition of diethyl ether on the cyclic variations, according to the literature.