Open Access
Review
Dimethyl Ether to Power Next-Generation Road Transportation
Simon LeBlanc
, Xiao Yu
, Linyan Wang
, Ming Zheng*
Author Information
Submitted: 20 Mar 2023 | Accepted: 8 Jun 2023 | Published: 19 Jun 2023
Abstract
The prevailing transportation uses internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels that bear the reputation of carbon dioxide release among other harmful emissions. As an alternative, dimethyl ether (DME) has shown a high potential to mitigate emission challenges. The properties of DME present a highly reactive and volatile fuel suitable for clean combustion. However, the onboard handling of liquified DME is an ongoing challenge, especially for high-pressure direct injection applications. This paper aims to evaluate the sustainability, fuel handling, and combustion characteristics of DME as a clean and efficient fuel for sustainable on-road transportation. Strategies toward integrating DME fuel for automotive applications are emphasized. An overview of DME production is provided with relevance to current industry practices. Thereafter, the chemical and physical properties of DME are highlighted. The handling challenges of DME are accentuated, and accordingly, recommendations are made for setting up fuel management systems applicable to on-road engines and research laboratories. The DME fueling configurations, e.g., port injection and direct injection, are summarized. Empirical tests studied the engine and emission performance of DME combustion. Ultra-low NOx and smoke emissions, with high combustion efficiency, are achieved.
Keywords
References
1.
Statistical Review of World Energy. BP, 2021. Available Online: https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/energy-economics/statistical-review-of-world-energy/downloads.html. (Accessed on 3 November 2022).
2.
Key World Energy Statistics 2021. IEA, Paris, Statistics Report, 2021. Available Online: https://www.iea.org/reports/key-world-energy-statistics-2021. (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
3.
Transport . IEA, 2022. Available Online: https://www.iea.org/topics/transport. (Accessed on 5 March 2023).
4.
The role of CCUS in low-carbon power systems. IEA, Paris, 2020. Available Online: https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-ccus-in-low-carbon-power-systems. (Accessed on 24 November 2022)
5.
Yu X. ; Sandhu N.S. ; Yang Z. ; et al . Suitability of energy sources for automotive application – A review. Applied Energy 2020, 271, 115169. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115169 .
6.
Johnson, T. Vehicular Emissions in Review. SAE International Journal of Engines 2016, 9( 2), 1258– 1275. doi: 10.4271/2016-01-0919.
7.
Johnson T. ; Joshi A . Review of Vehicle Engine Efficiency and Emissions. SAE International Journal of Engines 2018, 11( 6), 1307– 1330.
8.
Monthly Energy Review . Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration: Washington, D.C., USA, December 2022. Available online: https://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/previous.php (Accessed on 4 January 2023).
9.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics: National Transportation Statistics. U.S. Vehicle-Kilometers, 2019. Available Online: https://www.bts.gov/content/us-vehicle-kilometers-0. (Accessed on 4 January 2023).
10.
Johnson, T.V. Review of Diesel Emissions and Control. SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants 2010, 3( 1), 16– 29, 10.4271/2010-01-0301. doi:
11.
Reitz R.D. ; Ogawa H. ; Payri R. ; et al . IJER editorial: The future of the internal combustion engine. International Journal of Engine Research 2020, 21( 1), 3– 10. doi: 10.1177/1468087419877990 .
12.
Kohse-Höinghaus, K. A new era for combustion research. Pure and Applied Chemistry 2019, 91( 2), 271– 288. doi: 10.1515/pac-2018-0608.
13.
Key Transportation Terminology . U.S. Department of Energy, 2023. Available Online: https://epact.energy.gov/key-terms. (Accessed on 5 March 2023).
14.
Bae C. ; Kim J . Alternative Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute 2017, 36( 3), 3389– 3413. doi: 10.1016/j.proci.2016.09.009 .
15.
White C.M. ; Steeper R.R. ; Lutz A . E. The hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine: a technical review. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2006, 31( 10), 1292– 1305. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2005.12.001 .
16.
Zamfirescu C. ; Dincer I . Using Ammonia as a Sustainable Fuel. Journal of Power Sources 2008, 185( 1), 459– 465. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.02.097 .
17.
Durbin T.D. ; Karavalakis G. ; Norbeck J.M. ; et al . Material compatibility evaluation for elastomers, plastics, and metals exposed to ethanol and butanol blends. Fuel 2016, 163, 248– 259. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2015.09.060 .
18.
Hansen J.B. ; Voss B. ; Joensen F. ; et al . Large Scale Manufacture of Dimethyl Ether - a New Alternative Diesel Fuel from Natural Gas. SAE Transactions 1995, 104, 70– 79.
19.
Handbook Supplement DME . Tokyo: Japan DME Forum, 2011. Available Online: https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/13594717. (Accessed on 24 November 2022)
20.
Lee U. ; Han J. ; Wang M. ; et al . Well-to-Wheels Emissions of Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants of Dimethyl Ether from Natural Gas and Renewable Feedstocks in Comparison with Petroleum Gasoline and Diesel in the United States and Europe. SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants 2016, 9( 3): 546– 557. doi: 10.4271/2016-01-2209 .
21.
Azizi Z. ; Rezaeimanesh M. ; Tohidian T. ; et al . Dimethyl ether: A review of technologies and production challenges. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification 2014, 82, 150– 172. doi: 10.1016/j.cep.2014.06.007 .
22.
Dieterich V. ; Buttler A. ; Hanel A. ; et al . Power-to-liquid via synthesis of methanol, DME or Fischer–Tropsch-fuels: a review. Energy & Environmental Science 2020, 13( 10), 3207– 3252. doi: 10.1039/d0ee01187h .
23.
Verbeek R. ; Van der Weide J . Global Assessment of Dimethyl-Ether: Comparison with Other Fuels. SAE Technical Paper 1997, No. 971607.
24.
Edwards R. ; Mahieu V. ; Griesemann J . -C.;et al. Well-to-Wheels Analysis of Future Automotive Fuels and Powertrains in the European Context SAE Transactions 2004, 113, 1072– 1084.
25.
Elgowainy A. ; Han J. ; Cai H. ; et al . Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity of Petroleum Products at U.S. Refineries. Environmental Science & Technology 2014, 48( 13), 7612– 7624. doi: 10.1021/es5010347 .
26.
Van Vliet O.P.R. ; Faaij A.P.C. ; Turkenburg W . C. Fischer–Tropsch diesel production in a well-to-wheel perspective: A carbon, energy flow and cost analysis. Energy Conversion and Management 2009, 50( 4), 855– 876. doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2009.01.008 .
27.
Tremel A. ; Wasserscheid P. ; Baldauf M. ; et al . Techno-economic analysis for the synthesis of liquid and gaseous fuels based on hydrogen production via electrolysis. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2015, 40( 35), 11457– 11464. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.01.097 .
28.
McKone T. ; Rice D. ; Ginn T. ; et al . California Dimethyl Ether Multimedia Evaluation - Tier 1. The University of California, 2015.
29.
Indonesia starts construction of $ 2. 3 bln coal gasification plant. Reuters, 24 January 2022. Available Online: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indonesia-starts-construction-23-bln-coal-gasification-plant-2022-01-24/. (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
30.
Liquid Phase Dimethyl Ether Demonstration in the LaPorte Alternative Fuels Development Unit . Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Pennsylvania, Topical Report, 2001. Available Online: https://www.fischer-tropsch.org/DOE/DOE_ reports/90543/90543_demo/defc2292pc90543_demo_toc.htm (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
31.
Landälv I. ; Gebart R. ; Marke B. ; et al . Two years experience of the BioDME project-a complete wood to wheel concept. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy 2014, 33( 3): 744– 750. doi: 10.1002/ep.11993 .
32.
Chung J. ; Cho W. ; Baek Y. ; et al . Optimization of KOGAS DME process from demonstration long-term test. Transactions of the Korean Hydrogen and New Energy Society 2012, 23( 5), 559– 571, doi: 10.7316/khnes.2012.23.5.559 .
33.
Ohno Y. ; Masahiro Y. ; Tsutomu S. ; et al . New Direct Synthesis Technology for DME (Dimethyl Ether) and Its Application Technology. JFE Technical Report 2006, 8( 7), 34– 40.
34.
Oberon Fuels rDME . Oberon Fuels. Available Online: https://www.oberonfuels.com/oberons-rdme. (Accessed on 23 November 2022).
35.
Ishiwada, A. DME Promotion Project in Japan. As A Future Alternative Clean Energy 2011, Nov.
36.
Production of DME . Japan DME Association. Available Online: http://japan-dme.or.jp/english/dme/production.html. (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
37.
Mii T. ; Uchida, M. Fuel DME Plant in East Asia . In Proceedings of 15th Saudi-Japan Joint Symposium, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia . 27 November, 2005.
38.
(Dimethyl Ether) DME . Toyo Engineering Corporation. Available Online: https://www.toyo-eng.com/jp/en/solution/dme/. (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
39.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd . Global Website | Commercial Operations Commence at Methanol / Dimethyl Ether Plant in Trinidad and Tobago. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Available Online: https://www.mhi.com/news/210119.html. (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
40.
Jiutai Energy (Zhangjiagang) Co., Limited . Available Online: https://www.echemi.com/shop-us20180832100041673/index.html. (Accessed on 24 November 2022).
41.
Arcoumanis C. ; Bae C. ; Crookes R. ; et al . The potential of di-methyl ether (DME) as an alternative fuel for compression-ignition engines: A review. Fuel 2008, 87( 7), 1014– 1030. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2007.06.007 .
42.
Ether Dimethyl . Linde, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), 2021. Available Online: https://www.lindecanada.ca/-/media/corporate/praxair-canada/documents-en/safety-data-sheet-linde-canada/e-4589-dimethyl-ether-safety-data-sheet-sds.pdf (Accessed on 5 March 2023)
43.
Huang Z. ; Qiao X. ; Zhang W. ; et al . Dimethyl ether as alternative fuel for CI engine and vehicle. Frontiers of Energy and Power Engineering in China 2009, 3( 1), 99– 108, doi: 10.1007/s11708-009-0013-1 .
44.
Sorenson S.C. ; Glensvig M. ; Abata D . L. Dimethyl Ether in Diesel Fuel Injection Systems. SAE Transactions 1998, 438– 449.
45.
Fleisch T. ; McCarthy C. ; Basu A. ; et al . A New Clean Diesel Technology: Demonstration of ULEV Emissions on a Navistar Diesel Engine Fueled with Dimethyl Ether. SAE Transactions 1995, 42– 53.
46.
McCandless J.C. ; Li S . Development of a Novel Fuel Injection System (NFIS) for Dimethyl Ether-and Other Clean Alternative Fuels. SAE Technical Paper 1997, No. 970220.
47.
Bhide S. ; Morris D. ; Leroux J. ; et al . Characterization of the Viscosity of Blends of Dimethyl Ether with Various Fuels and Additives. Energy & Fuels 2003, 17( 5), 1126– 1132. doi: 10.1021/ef030055x .
48.
Teng H. ; McCandless J.C. ; Schneyer J . B. Viscosity and Lubricity of (Liquid) Dimethyl Ether - An Alternative Fuel for Compression-Ignition Engines. SAE Technical Paper 2002, No. 2002-01-08 62. doi: 10.4271/2002-01-0862 .
49.
Hansen K.F. ; Nielsen L. ; Hansen J.B. ; et al . Demonstration of a DME (Dimethyl Ether) Fuelled City Bus. SAE Technical Paper 2000, No. 2000-01-20 05. doi: 10.4271/2000-01-2005 .
50.
Yoon S.H. ; Han S.C. ; Lee C . S. Effects of High EGR Rate on Dimethyl Ether (DME) Combustion and Pollutant Emission Characteristics in a Direct Injection Diesel Engine. Energies 2013, 6( 10), 5157– 5167. doi: 10.3390/en6105157 .
51.
Sato Y. ; Nozaki S. ; Noda T . The Performance of a Diesel Engine for Light Duty Truck Using a Jerk Type In-Line DME Injection System. SAE Transactions 2004, 1210– 1222. doi: 10.4271/2004-01-1862 .
52.
Jang J. ; Lee Y. ; Cho C. ; et al . Improvement of DME HCCI engine combustion by direct injection and EGR. Fuel 2013, 113, 617– 624. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2013.06.001 .
53.
Yeom K. ; Bae C . Knock Characteristics in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-Dimethyl Ether (DME) and Gasoline-DME Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engines. Energy & Fuels 2009, 23( 4), 1956– 1964. doi: 10.1021/ef800846u .
54.
Longbao Z. ; Hewu W. ; Deming J. ; Zuohua H . Study of Performance and Combustion Characteristics of a DME-Fueled Light-Duty Direct-Injection Diesel Engine. SAE Technical Paper 1999, No. 1999-01-36 69. doi: 10.4271/1999-01-3669 .
55.
Junjun Z. ; Xinqi Q. ; Zhen W. ; et al . Experimental Investigation of Low-Temperature Combustion (LTC) in an Engine Fueled with Dimethyl Ether (DME). Energy & Fuels 2009, 23( 1), 170– 174. doi: 10.1021/ef800674s .
56.
Sorenson S.C. ; Mikkelsen S . -E. Performance and Emissions of a 0.273 Liter Direct Injection Diesel Engine Fuelled with Neat Dimethyl Ether. SAE Transactions 1995, 80– 90. doi: 10.4271/950064 .
57.
Mccandless J.C. ; Teng H. ; Schneyer J . B. Development of a Variable-Displacement, Rail-Pressure Supply Pump for Dimethyl Ether. SAE Transactions 2000, 818– 826. doi: 10.4271/2000-01-0687 .
58.
Sivebaek I.M. ; Sorenson S . C. Dimethyl Ether (DME) - Assessment of Lubricity Using the Medium Frequency Pressurised Reciprocating Rig Version 2 (MFPRR2). SAE Paper 2000, No. 2000- 01. doi: 10.4271/2000-01-2970 .
59.
Fabiś P. ; Flekiewicz B . Influence of LPG and DME Composition on Spark Ignition Engine Performance. Energies 2021, 14( 17), 5583. doi: 10.3390/en14175583 .
60.
Brusstar M.J. ; Hamady F.J. ; Schaefer R . M. Low Engine-Out NOx Emissions with DME Using High Pressure Injection. SAE Technical Paper 2007, No. 2007-01-40 93. doi: 10.4271/2007-01-4093 .
61.
Gill D.W. ; Ofner H. ; Stoewe C. ; et al . An Investigation into the Effect of Fuel Injection System Improvements on the Injection and Combustion of DiMethyl Ether in a Diesel Cycle Engine. SAE Technical Paper 2014, No. 2014-01-26 58. doi: 10.4271/2014-01-2658 .
62.
Zhen, H. DME as Alternative Fuel for Cl Engine and Vehicle: Progresses in China. 2009. Available Online: https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/biblio/21341086 (Accessed on 5 March 2023).
63.
LeBlanc S. ; Jin L. ; Sandhu N.S. ; et al . Combustion Characterization of DME-Fueled Dual Fuel Combustion with Premixed Ethanol. SAE Technical Paper 2022, No. 2022-01-04 61. doi: 10.4271/2022-01-0461 .
64.
Park S.H. ; Lee C . S. Applicability of dimethyl ether (DME) in a compression ignition engine as an alternative fuel. Energy Conversion and Management 2014, 86, 848– 863. doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2014.06.051 .
65.
Patten J. ; McWha T . Dimethyl Ether Fuel Literature Review. National Research Council Canada. Automotive and Surface Transportation. 2015, ST-GV-TR-0032. Available Online: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=b22a2fd1-f2fc-40d9-a6f4-cf109f3ea344 (Accessed on 5 March 2023).
66.
Teng H. ; McCandless J.C. ; Schneyer J . B. Compression Ignition Delay (Physical + Chemical) of Dimethyl Ether – An Alternative Fuel for Compression-Ignition Engines. SAE Transactions 2003, 112, 377– 389.
67.
Zheng M. ; Reader G.T. ; Hawley J . G. Diesel Engine Exhaust Gas Recirculation––A Review on Advanced and Novel Concepts. Energy Conversion and Management 2004, 45( 6): 883– 900. doi: 10.1016/S0196-8904(03)00194-8 .
68.
Posada F. ; Isenstadt A. ; Badshah H . Estimated Cost of Diesel Emissions-Control Technology to Meet Future California Low NOx Standards in 2024 and 2027. The international council on clean transportation (ICCT), May 2020. Available Online: https://trid.trb.org/view/1713385 (Accessed on 5 March 2023).
69.
Tree D.R. ; Svensson K . I. Soot processes in compression ignition engines. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science 2007, 33( 3), 272– 309. doi: 10.1016/j.pecs.2006.03.002 .
70.
Asad U. ; Divekar P. ; Zheng M. ; et al . Low Temperature Combustion Strategies for Compression Ignition Engines: Operability Limits and Challenges. SAE Technical Paper 2013, No. 2013-01-02 83. doi: 10.4271/2013-01-0283 .
71.
Park S.H. ; Lee C . S. Combustion performance and emission reduction characteristics of automotive DME engine system. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science 2013, 39( 1), 147– 168. doi: 10.1016/j.pecs.2012.10.002 .
72.
Youn I.M. ; Park S.H. ; Roh H.G. ; et al . Investigation on the fuel spray and emission reduction characteristics for dimethyl ether (DME) fueled multi-cylinder diesel engine with common-rail injection system. Fuel Processing Technology 2011, 92( 7), 1280– 1287. doi: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2011.01.018 .
73.
Asad U. ; Zheng M . Diesel pressure departure ratio algorithm for combustion feedback and control. International Journal of Engine Research 2014, 15( 1), 101– 111. doi: 10.1177/1468087412461268 .
74.
Szybist J.P. ; McLaughlin S. ; Iyer S . Emissions and Performance Benchmarking of a Prototype Dimethyl Ether-Fueled Heavy-Duty Truck. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, ORNL/TM-2014/59,Feb. 2014. Available Online: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1150879 (Accessed on 5 March 2023)
75.
Sato S. ; Iida N . Analysis of DME Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Combustion. SAE Technical Paper 2003, No. 2003-01-18 25, doi: 10.4271/2003-01-1825 .
76.
Asad, U. Advanced diagnostics, control and testing of diesel low temperature combustion. Ph. Thesis D. , University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada , 2009.
77.
Putrasari Y. ; Jamsran N. ; Lim O . An investigation on the DME HCCI autoignition under EGR and boosted operation. Fuel 2017, 200, 447– 457. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2017.03.074 .
78.
Pedersen T.D. ; Schramm J. ; Yanai T. ; et al . Controlling the Heat Release in HCCI Combustion of DME with Methanol and EGR. SAE Technical Paper 2010, No. 2010-01-14 89. doi: 10.4271/2010-01-1489 .
79.
Yu X. ; LeBlanc S. ; Sandhu N. ; et al . Combustion control of DME HCCI using charge dilution and spark assistance. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering 2022, 09544070221103361. doi: 10.1177/09544070221103361 .
80.
Jung D. ; Iida N . Closed-loop control of HCCI combustion for DME using external EGR and rebreathed EGR to reduce pressure-rise rate with combustion-phasing retard. Applied Energy 2015, 138, 315– 330. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.10.085 .
Issue
Volume 2, Issue 2How to Cite
LeBlanc, S., Yu, X., Wang, L., & Zheng, M. (2023). Dimethyl Ether to Power Next-Generation Road Transportation. International Journal of Automotive Manufacturing and Materials, 2(2), 3. https://doi.org/10.53941/ijamm.2023.100003
RIS
BibTex
Copyright & License
Copyright (c) 2023 by the authors.
This work is licensed under a This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.