Comparative study of ignition characteristics and engine performance of RP-3 kerosene and diesel under compression ignition condition

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the spontaneous combustion characteristics and engine performance of kerosene under traditional compression ignition mode, providing a reference for further optimizing the performance of kerosene compression ignition engines and the application of advanced combustion mode. The ignition visualization tests of kerosene under marine and vehicle engine conditions are carried out, and the characteristics under 0.3 mm nozzle diameter are compared with that of diesel. Then, the engine performance of the two fuels under medium load and ultra-high injection pressures is compared. The experimental results show that the ignition and combustion characteristics of kerosene and diesel are very similar, indicating that kerosene has a strong universality in diesel engine application. The long ignition delay time of kerosene leads to its lagging combustion and heat release. Compared with diesel, kerosene has lower CO, particulate emissions and indicated thermal efficiency, while higher HC and NOx emissions. The emission characteristics of kerosene RP-3 are different from previous studies, especially under ultra-high injection pressure. The combustion process and engine emissions of kerosene may be optimized with advanced combustion models and strategies.