Experimental investigation on the influence of lubricant additive on performance of dimethyl ether engine

Investigation on the effect of different proportions of lubricant additive on dimethyl ether (DME) engine performance was conducted. Results show that wear rates of plunger surface will increase slightly and DME engine can operate steadily over a broad range of speeds and loads with certain lubricant additives into DME fuel. With the increase of mass fraction of lubricant additive in DME fuel, power output of DME engine increases. However, NO emissions worsen, and the peak pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise in cylinders increases simultaneously. Smokeless combustion can be realized with a certain proportion of lubricant additive in DME engine. Over that proportion, smoke will occur and increases with the increase of lubricant additive proportion. Adding the proper proportion of lubricant additive is a possible solution to the problem of low viscosity and poor lubricity of DME fuel.