Energy savings and emission reduction of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by adding water-containing acetone and neat soybean oil to a diesel-fueled engine generator

Dieselhols (blends of diesels, biodiesels, and alcohols) have received considerable attention because of their low emission of CO₂. In this study, new blended fuels were formed by adding 1-3 wt % of water-containing acetone (WA) or dehydrated acetone (AC) into a regular diesel (95-97%) and using 1 wt % of isopropyl alcohol (P) and 1 wt % of neat soybean oil (S) or soybean biodiesel (B) as stabilizers. The blended fuels were tested for their energy efficiencies and pollutant emissions in a diesel-fueled engine generator. Experimental results showed that the fuel blend WA3P1S1, which is composed of 3 wt % WA, 1 wt % P, and 1 wt % neat soybean oil, had a good fuel stability and 1.4-5.5% reduction of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC, mL kW^-1 h^-1). The better engine performance of WA3P1S1 was due to its higher fuel oxygen content, more complete combustion, and lower reaction temperature based on the water-cooling effect, which reduced emissions to 6.7-13.6% NO _x, 9.6-33.3% particulate matter (PM), 7.7-14.3 total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 7.5-11.4% total BaP_eq. Nevertheless, using recycled solvents for WA3P1S1, the CO₂ emission was 4.92% lower than a regular diesel. Consequently, WA3P1S1 is a more sustainable fuel that can both save energy and reduce pollution.