Diesel engines, although robust and efficient, release harmful atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and fine particles, posing challenges for health and the environment. A simple approach is emerging to mitigate this problem without compromising performance, opening unexpected prospects for the industry.
A team from the Federal University of Technology Owerri in Nigeria analyzed global studies on an innovative method. Their results, published in the journal
Carbon Research, indicate that adding water to diesel fuel can significantly reduce emissions while maintaining, or even improving, engine efficiency. This discovery is based on data from various experiments and simulations.
Read this article carefully before doing something foolish...
Diesel-water emulsion technology uses surfactants to disperse fine water droplets into diesel. During combustion, the water rapidly evaporates, causing a micro-explosion that improves the air-fuel mixture. This process lowers peak temperatures, limiting the formation of nitrogen oxides, and promotes more complete combustion, reducing soot and particle emissions. Thus, the fuel burns more cleanly and efficiently (see detailed explanation at the end of the article).
Tests conducted show impressive emission reductions, with up to 67% less nitrogen oxides and 68% less particulate matter compared to standard diesel. Furthermore, brake thermal efficiency improves, meaning engines convert fuel into useful energy more effectively. These benefits are observed under various operating conditions, without power loss, making this approach attractive for common applications.
Surfactants, essential for emulsion stability, must be selected and dosed carefully to avoid phase separation. Formulations combining several types of surfactants offer the best results in terms of lifespan and performance. However, additional work is needed to optimize these mixtures and evaluate their long-term effects on engine components to ensure safe and sustainable use.
This technology could integrate with other clean solutions, such as biodiesels, to contribute to climate and air quality goals. It enables a practical transition towards more sustainable energy, particularly in regions where the costs of new infrastructure are high. The authors see it as an accessible means to reduce the environmental impact of existing diesel engines without major modifications.
How diesel-water emulsion works
Diesel-water emulsion is created by dispersing water as fine droplets into the fuel using surfactants, which act as stabilizers to prevent separation. These surfactants reduce the tension between water and diesel, allowing a homogeneous mixture that can remain stable for weeks. This stability is important to avoid engine problems, such as deposits or irregular combustion, and ensures consistent performance during use.
During combustion in the engine, the water droplets rapidly evaporate due to heat, causing a micro-explosion. This phenomenon disperses the fuel more uniformly in the air, improving the mixture and leading to more complete combustion. By lowering combustion temperatures, it limits the production of nitrogen oxides while reducing unburned residues like soot. Thus, the process makes combustion more efficient and less polluting.
The micro-explosion also contributes to better energy efficiency, as more complete combustion means less fuel is wasted. Furthermore, the temperature reduction decreases heat losses, increasing the engine's overall efficiency. These effects make diesel-water emulsion a viable option for various applications, from transportation to industry, without requiring costly changes in engine design.