Afforhd Project

The search for alternative fuels, especially those produced from natural substances such as gas or biomass, has lead research to investigate dimethylether (DME) as a suitable replacement for carbon-based fuels. Funded by the EU, the Afforhd project developed a fuel injection system for DME fuels.

DME is also known as methoxymethane, oxybismethane, methyl ether and wood ether. Its importance to fuel-based economies lies in the fact that it can be produced from a number of natural resources, namely natural gas, biomass, methanol and even coal in the more advanced plants.

Whilst international interest for developing DME production methods is high, the Afforhd project looked more to its actual use, developing a fuel injection engine to maximise DME use. The diesel engine is a heavy-duty one, based on the low-pressure, common rail design and is comprised of a high-pressure pump, rail and injectors as well as the necessary components required.

The system works on precision. Extensive durability tests hive been conducted, proving that the system meet the project objectives of developing an engine with an excellent combustion ratio and practically no emission levels.

(Source ResearchEU)

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