RESEARCHING SOOT-FREE DIESEL ENGINES

New Fuel-Injection Systems Could Save Diesels

It doesn’t take much to realize that diesel engines are taking a beating from electric vehicle corporations, environmental programs, and progressive lawmakers. However, diesel engines are a crucial part of the automotive industry considering they power around 70% of commercial transportation. A lot of big companies rely on diesel vehicles to transport their products around the world. As a result of this, many companies have been carrying out research for ways to remove the environmental issues caused by diesel engines. If scientists could remove the environmental problems caused, then diesel engines would be much more heavily considered when comparing to convention combustion engines.

The Mighty Diesel
A traditional diesel engine from a 95′ Ford Fiesta Mk3

One research company has found a way to prevent soot production caused by diesel combustion. The Sandia National Laboratories Combustion Research Facility recognized that harmful pollutants caused by diesel combustion could be significantly decreased by redesigning the internal fuel injection systems. The researchers proposed implementing a new system using “ducted fuel injections”. Essentially, the new system doesn’t spray the fuel directly into the cylinder, but rather into ducts, where mixed air is then pulled from the back of the ducts. This new design essentially creates an optimized air-to-fuel ratio, allowing cleaner burning and reduced production of soot byproduct.

Pictured above is the proposed design for the ducted fuel injectors

These changes in design and reduction of soot is an excellent first step in cleaning diesel engines, however, there are additional steps required. A downside to this new design is that there’s the possibility of increasing NOx emissions. Once the soot is eliminated, then companies can figure out ways to reduce the NOx emissions from there. When the two halves are equally reduced, a virtually “clean-burning” diesel engine will be created. Additionally, this new design is easier to produce and would save tons of money for larger companies that rely on diesel. These companies are making huge leaps in research so stay tuned!


Photo Credits

A traditional diesel engine from a 95′ Ford Fiesta Mk3” Photo by Timitrius on Flickr

“Pictured above is the proposed design for the ducted fuel injectors” Photo by Sandia National Laboratories

Cover Image provided by Sandia National Laboratories

You May Also Like

Weekend Recap 3.12.18

Truck Of The Week Home Sweet Home Record Chasing Cummins Ram If you recall, last week we gave you the scoop on the 2,000+ hp […]

Dieselgate Aftermath: Jeep, Ram Owners to Get Up to $3,000 Compensation from FCA

Do you own a 2014-2016 Ram 1500 or Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel? If so, then today’s your lucky day. A California judge has approved the […]

DIESEL NEWS ALMANAC: AUGUST 2020

Monthly Headlines If you ever missed out from one of our news stories because of a family event, job issue, or whatever it may be, […]
DW WEEKENDRECAP EURO

Weekend Recap 12.11.17

Truck of the Week Extreme Speed Four Turbo Terror The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show was this week, which means it was a busy week! […]