Country’s first Dimethyl Ether fueled tractor
The country’s first Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuel driven tractor has recently ushered in a new era of clean fuel applications.
Researchers at IIT Kanpur have developed 100% DME fuel driven engine with mechanical fuel injection system.
This innovation was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Also, it was in line with the “Methanol Economy” program of NITI Aayog.
Dimethyl Ether (DME)
- It is a colourless, non-toxic and highly inflammable gas under normal conditions, but it liquefies under slight pressure.
- DME is mainly produced by converting natural gas, organic waste or biomass into synthesis gas (syngas). Syngas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
- The properties of DME are similar to those of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It is used as a diesel substitute, in the chemical industry and as an aerosol propellant.
Benefits of DME:
- It exhibits high brake thermal efficiency. In addition, the cetane number of this fuel is also very high.
- It emits very little hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Also, produces very little soot (soof).
- It is a renewable form of fuel, and can help reduce India’s oil import bill.
- It can actually eliminate Particulate Emissions. The reason for this is that there is no bond between the carbon atoms in it.
Challenges associated with DME:
- Its energy density is low, the calorific value of this fuel is low,
- The anti-knock performance is weak, and the engine needs some changes, etc.
Source – Department of Science and Tech.
