The fuel conversion technology being developed by the researchers at Indian Institute of Technology- Delhi allows diesel-powered vehicles to run on flex fuel - environment friendly Dimethyl Ether (DME) as an alternate fuel.
Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a compressedair fuel that can be used in compression-ignition engines and automobiles.
Through gasification and the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis method, it can be made from coal, municipal solid wastes, biomass, industrial wastes, and black liquor (a by-product of pulp).
Catalytic dehydration of methanol can also be used to make it.
DME is typically stored as a liquid, and at ambient temperature and pressure, a phase shift from liquid to vapour or gas can occur quickly.
The initiative was lifted by the Indian government's Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Researchers from the institute's Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE), Indian Oil Corporation's Research and Development (IOC R&D), and Ashok Leyland Ltd created the technique.
On a trial basis, they converted a diesel-powered car into a flex fuel vehicle. The technology emits very little or no smoke, soot, or particulate matter.
It produces less noise and runs more smoothly. It also aids in the increase of transient engine performance, energy security, and the creation of a sustainable environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST, Prof Rangan Banejee, Director, IIT Delhi, Dr SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), Indian Oil, Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice President, Ashok Leyland, Prof. Sunil Kumar Khare, Dean R&D, IIT Delhi, Prof KA Subramanian, Head, DESE, IIT Delhi jointly flagged off the flex fuel technology-based vehicle DOST on April 8 at IIT Delhi
"DME fuel is pumped into the intake manifold of the engine, and diesel is directly injected into the engine cylinder," Prof K Subramanian, Head, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi, stated of the flex-fuel automobile vehicle technology.
