PRELIMINARY APPROACH TOWARDS A CDI SYSTEM MODIFICATION OPERATING ON NEAT RAPESEED OIL

M. T. Bialkowski *, T. Pekdemir * , R. Reuben *
M. Brautsch ** , D. P. Towers *, G. Elsbett ***

* School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
m.bialkowski@hw.ac.uk
**Environmental Engineering Department, University of Applied Sciences, Amberg-Weiden
Germany
m.brautsch@fh-amberg-weiden.de
***ELSBETT Technologie GmbH, Thalmassing Germany; Guenter.Elsbett@t-online.de

Abstract

A Common-rail Diesel Injection (CDI) Bosch system was modified to operate on neat rapeseed oil (RSO) in a single tank mode. The performed modifications were derived from the fundamental and comparative injection studies. Laser droplet sizing, high-speed imaging and the Acoustic Emission (AE) tests combined with the basic bench scale experiments were employed to define the main direction of modifications. The RSO pre-heating was found as the most feasible direction of the modification. Some technical constrains were taken into account prior to the modification. The paper indicates on the main direction of the modification and evaluates the preliminary results of the CDI engine tests. Cold start, deposit formation, engine oil deterioration and drivability of a Mercedes Benz 220 C-class car had been investigated to assess the modification. The injection system did not exhibit the same magnitude of undesired effects as previously recorded in similar test with DI Diesel engines. A long-term drive tests provided very promising results on which further modification could be based. The engine test and inspection revealed that RSO pre-heating of successfully alters its properties enabling its successful use in a CDI system.