Dual Fuel combustion of Methanol and PODE in a marine ICE and on-board production of PODE

Abstract

The problem of global warming is becoming every day more and more pressing, leading to the necessity of reducing harmful emissions especially in the shipping sector. Most ships sail with Internal Combustion Engines, reason why it is beneficial to keep using this system, with the prospect of being able, though, to cut down on the emissions. This can be done implementing new fuels, such as PODE and methanol. These two fuels can largely reduce the emissions without the need for major changes to the engine system. Also, they can be produced in an ”eco-friendly” way, reducing the emissions also during the production process. In this study, the working characteristics of a dual fuel engine, considering methanol and PODE are analysed, as well as the production process of PODE from methanol, process that happens on board of the vessel itself. For the dual fuel engine the analysis showed that different ratios of methanol and PODE can be considered for the dual fuel engine and that this system can deliver the required power output. The plant design resulted in a plant consisting of two reactors and a separation system. At last, the necessary fuel can be produced by a plant that is small enough to fit on the ship and not have to reduce the capacity of the vessel significantly.