Combustion system optimization for dimethyl ether using a genetic algorithm

Dimethyl ether is a gaseous fuel which can easily be liquefied under moderate pressures. Its high reactivity makes it suitable for combustion in a compression ignition engine, and due to the high oxygen content, its combustion is virtually free of soot. The high oxygen content and low density of dimethyl ether lead to a lower volumetric heating value compared to Diesel fuel. Therefore, the hydraulic flow rates of the injectors have to be increased with larger nozzle holes. The influence of larger nozzle holes on the dimethyl ether spray formation and ignition are presented in this article. Experimental investigations were conducted at a constant-pressure vessel with optical access and with a single-cylinder research engine. Subsequently, a numerical optimization of the piston bowl and injector nozzle has been carried out. A very fast air/fuel mixture formation with dimethyl ether was observed, which leads to a lean combustion with small nozzle diameters. With increasing nozzle diameters, the combustion moves toward stoichiometric conditions and with very large diameters to rich combustion conditions. The ignition delay for small diameters is mostly dominated by the lean mixture, and for large diameters, the ignition delay is strongly influenced by cooling effects. For the optimization, the oxidation potential number was maximized, which proved suitable to simultaneously increase efficiency and reduce emissions. A conventional ω-shaped bowl and a step bowl have been optimized, and large bowl diameters were found to be beneficial for dimethyl ether combustion. Furthermore, nozzle diameters around 150 µm showed the most promising results. Compared to the dimethyl ether reference, the simulations with the optimized ω-shaped bowl showed a power increase of 2.7%. Experimentally, the optimized ω-shaped bowl in combination with the reference injector showed an efficiency increase by more than 1% at 2000 r/min full load compared to the dimethyl ether reference.