Characterization of Gaseous and Particulate Emissions from the Combustion of Cellulosic Biomass Based Oxygenated Components in a Compression Ignition Engine

摘要

Recent studies suggest that by the year 2030 the U.S. will be capable of annually producing 1.3 billion tons of sustainable forest and agricultural waste as well as perennial crops that can be processed into biofuel. This vast quantity of biomass can potentially yield up to 45 billion gallons/year of liquid transportation fuels, which is far greater than that available from conversion of vegetable oil, animal fat or via fermentation of starch-derived sugars. However, processes such as fast pyrolysis of whole biomass or base-catalyzed depolymerization of the lignin fraction produce complex mixtures of oxygenated compounds including acids, phenolics, furans, aryl ethers, and carbonyl compounds that must be upgraded to be suitable for blending with petroleum and processing in a refinery. Complete removal of these oxygenated compounds is exceedingly energy intensive and it is likely that upgraded pyrolysis oils will contain up to 2% oxygen content to be economically viable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the presence of oxygenated chemical components indicative of those present in upgraded pyrolysis oil on diesel engine performance and emissions. Engine testing was performed by blending 8 different oxygenated components with certification ULSD diesel fuel and quantifying the performance and emissions from the combustion of these fuels in a 4-cylinder, turbocharged, 4.5 L John Deere PowerTech Plus common rail, direct injection diesel engine that meets Tier 3 emissions specifications. The properties of the oxygenated fuel components were fully characterized in accordance with ASTM diesel fuel standards. Gaseous emissions measurements included CO, CO_2, NO, NO_2, and total hydrocarbons. Particulate measurements included total PM mass emissions, particle size measurements and elemental to organic carbon ratio.