Abstract This study investigates the macroscopic spray characteristics of ED95 fuel, an ethanol-derived alternative fuel blend, using a laboratory-scale constant volume spray chamber, assessing its potential use in compression ignition (CI) engines. Compression ignition engines, often utilizing diesel fuel, necessitate fuels with advantageous spray properties to facilitate efficient burning and reduce emissions. ED95, being a lower viscosity than diesel, presents advantageous atomization characteristics that may enhance fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency in compression ignition engines. Experiments were performed at different injection pressures to evaluate the spray penetration, cone angle, and spray area of ED95. The results indicated that at a maximum pressure of 550 bar pressure, ED95 exhibited a penetration length of 120.99 mm within 1 ms, which is shorter than diesel yet adequate for good mixing. With higher injection pressures, the spray cone angle increased, reaching 11.09° at 550 bars, indicating improved atomization that is favorable for CI engine combustion. The findings of the study, ED95's spray area variation is quite similar to Diesel's at similar pressures, suggesting that it is compatible with the designs of compression ignition engines presently in operation. The same spray properties support the goal of using renewable fuels by indicating that ED95 is a viable diesel substitute. Understanding these elements can promote ED95 as a sustainable option for compression ignition engine applications by increasing combustion efficiency and regulating emissions.
Thawarey et al. (Tue,) studied this question.