Alcohols in Diesel Engines-A Review

Pure alcohols and alcohol-diesel fuel blends have been compared to diesel fuels in terms of engine power, efficiency and emissions. It is apparent that pure alcohols are poor diesel fuels as their properties are significantly different from the traditional fuels. These differences are examined and in some instances methods of offsetting the alcohols’ deficiencies are assessed. Further areas of study are identified since it is possible that some regions of the world will need to use alcohols as diesel fuel extenders in the near future.