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Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "I1: Fuel".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 October 2023) | Viewed by 12036

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zbigniew Matuszak

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Guest Editor

Department of Energy, Faculty of Marine Engineering, Maritime University of Szczecin, Willowa 2 Str., 71-650 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: dual- and multi-fuel engines; operational tests of the energy and exergy efficiency of internal combustion engines; energy conversion; operational tests of the reliability of the propulsion systems of means of transport; operational tests of internal combustion engines with alternative fuels
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Prof. Dr. Adam Koniuszy

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Papieża Pawla VI 1 Str., 71-459 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: renewable energy sources; production of biofuels; biomass gasification; combustion engines; energy saving in vehicles; co-generation systems; exhaust emissions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Andrzej Grza̧dziela

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Guest Editor

Polish Naval Academy, Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Department of Ship Power Plant Operation, Smidowicza 69 Str., 81-572 Gdynia, Poland
Interests: internal combustion engine research; dynamic machines; naval propulsion systems; technical diagnostics; vibroacoustics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current global situation in the fuel market and the need to reduce the carbon footprint make it necessary to find alternative fuels supplying combustion engines or other propulsion systems. The components added to liquid fuels, i.e., bio-based and synthetic additives obtained from the processing of plastics, are of particular importance. Gaseous fuels are a separate group (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, LNG, LPG) and are used to power the engines of transport vehicles. The green electricity and flywheel energy are another group of alternative fuels in transport.
This Special Issue aims to present the use of alternative fuels in transport means described above and other problems related to their use.
Topics of interest for publication include but are not limited to:

Fuel cells;
Hydrogen;
LPG;
LNG;
Synthetic fuels;
Biofuels;
Electricity supply;
Inertia flywheel energy storage;
Friction wear in engines powered by alternative fuels;
Impact of alternative fuels on internal combustion engine components;
Storage problems of alternative fuels;
Marine Energy Storage Systems;
Energy and exergy efficiency of alternative fuel engines;
Operational specifics of internal combustion engines fueled by alternative fuels.

Prof. Dr. Zbigniew Matuszak
Prof. Dr. Adam Koniuszy
Prof. Dr. Andrzej Grza̧dziela
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

internal combustion engines
gaseous fuels
biofuels
fuel cells
efficiency of internal combustion engines
testing of internal combustion engines
wear of the internal combustion engine components

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 6461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Projected Reductions in CO₂ Emissions by Using Alternative Methanol Fuel to Power a Service Operation Vessel

by Monika Bortnowska

Energies 2023, 16(21), 7419; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16217419 - 3 Nov 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

Due to increasingly stringent IMO and European Commission requirements for greenhouse gas emissions, the present study analysed the projected reductions in CO₂ emissions achieved by using methanol as an alternative fuel to power custom service operation vessels (SOVs) serving wind platforms in the Baltic Sea. Methanol is a relatively new fuel, approved for use as a safe marine fuel in the late 2020s. In these analyses, reference was made to the current interim guidelines, supplementing the IGF Code in the form of MSC.1/Circ.1621. The SOV type was chosen because of the current growing demand for these ships (the dynamic development of offshore wind power) and the lack of analyses of this type of small craft. The importance of assessing CO₂ emissions in this case is due to the specifics of the vessel’s operation in different modes, and thus the variable load on the propulsion system and the area of operation close to the coastline. A computational research method was used to evaluate CO₂ emissions, as well as the cost of methanol fuel, using current regulations and technical data. A comparison was also made between conventional MDO and LNG fuels. The first results of the analysis showed that methanol fuel is only competitive with MDO (a few-percent advantage) in terms of the average estimated index value EIV. Economically, it will require a higher investment, despite the favourable unit price of methanol compared to LNG and MDO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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13 pages, 2004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reductions in Energy Consumption and Emission of Harmful Exhaust Gases by Fishing Vessels

by Cezary Behrendt, Oleh Klyus and Marcin Szczepanek

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7177; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207177 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the influence of engine types, fuel types and selected methods of fuel treatment before injection on reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emission components. This is the first of such studies, the continuation of which will allow a comprehensive assessment of the impact of cutter operations on environmental pollution. For the selected type of cutter, EEOIs (Energy Efficiency Operational Indicators) were determined to be a measure that takes into account both fuel consumption and harmful gas compound emissions depending on the type of engine used and the type of fuel. The data necessary to prepare this analysis were obtained during operational tests carried out on selected cutters with various types of engines fuelled with liquid fuel and a new catalytic fuel treatment method developed by the authors, while for the case of using gas fuel and a common rail engine, possible effects were forecasted. The effects of engine type, years of manufacture and fuel type (liquid and gas) on fuel consumption and emissions of selected exhaust components are demonstrated. The positive effects on fuel consumption and emissions of harmful exhaust constituents obtained, under laboratory test conditions, for an engine fuelled with catalytically treated fuel have allowed further research directions to be set for cutter engines equipped with injection equipment with applied catalytic coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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13 pages, 2348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing the Efficiency of Marine Engine Parametric Diagnostics Based on Analyses of Indicator Diagrams and Heat-Release Characteristics

by Jacek Wysocki and Kazimierz Witkowski

Energies 2023, 16(17), 6240; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176240 - 28 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the importance of the analysis of indicator diagrams and indicated parameters in operational diagnostics of marine engines. An innovative method was devised to improve the effectiveness of diagnostics based on this information. It consisted of the elimination of harmful measurement spaces during cylinder pressure measurements as well as an in-depth analysis of the resultant indicator diagrams based on the functions of heat release. This research demonstrated a negative impact on the quality of indicator diagrams and the values of the parameters indicated by cylinder pressure measurements with sensors mounted on indicator cocks. The elimination of the indicator cock and measuring channel in the cylinder pressure measurements affected the quality of the indicator diagrams and, based on the calculated heat-release functions, allowed the emergence of new (additional) diagnostic symptoms. This could significantly improve the effectiveness of diagnostics performed in operating conditions and, as a result, the effective, trouble-free, and ecological operation of marine engines, thus meeting the growing environmental and operational safety requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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21 pages, 2661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing CO₂ Emissions during the Operation of Unmanned Transport Vessels with Diesel Engines

by Tadeusz Szelangiewicz and Katarzyna Żelazny

Energies 2023, 16(12), 4818; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124818 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1406

Abstract

Environmental protection is one of the most challenging tasks facing mankind. Reducing CO₂ emissions in the global economy, including maritime transport, is being pursued in various ways, one of them being the design work leading to the construction and operation of unmanned ships. Unmanned vessels operating on longer routes will still have internal combustion propulsion. However, they will not have the superstructure and the various systems and equipment necessary for the crew. This will result in an unmanned vessel having less weight, less displacement and, therefore, less size, resistance and propulsion power than a manned vessel for the same transport capacity. Consequently, the unmanned vessel will emit less CO₂. This paper presents a novel method for predicting fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for unmanned container ships. The method uses regression relationships of geometric and operational parameters for manned container ships developed for this purpose to determine such relationships for unmanned ships. On this basis, it is shown what the level of CO₂ reduction will be compared to manned container ships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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19 pages, 10129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Geometrical Deviations of Large-Size Crankshafts with Limited Detection Possibilities Resulting from the Assumed Measuring Conditions

by Krzysztof Nozdrzykowski, Zenon Grządziel, Rafał Grzejda and Mateusz Stępień

Energies 2023, 16(11), 4463; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114463 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

This article deals with the geometrical deviation measurements of crankshafts of large marine engines fuelled with conventional or alternative fuels, taking into account the problem of their deformability. Since the detectability of geometrical deviations of a crankshaft supported by prisms depends largely on the support conditions assumed and the parameters of the method, the study was carried out for two cases of crankshaft support. The first case concerned measurements of the main journals of a crankshaft seated on a set of supports pre-positioned at an equal height. In contrast, the second case involved measurements of the main journals of a crankshaft seated on supports pre-positioned at various heights. In particular, the research focused on evaluating the effect of sensor location angle on the results of measurements of deviations and contour profiles of the crankshaft main journal system. The results of the research are the developed procedures, the application of which in practical measurements under workshop conditions, where there is no access to coordinate measuring machines, enables correct interpretation of the measurement results and evaluation of the geometrical state of the measured crankshaft. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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13 pages, 2896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Studies on the Influence of Spatial Orientation of a Passive Air Solar Collector on Its Efficiency

by Krzysztof Dutkowski, Marcin Kruzel, Jacek Fiuk, Krzysztof Rokosz, Iwona Michalska-Pożoga and Marcin Szczepanek

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4125; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104125 - 16 May 2023

Viewed by 1246

Abstract

The solar collector is used to convert solar energy into thermal energy. First, the internal energy of the absorber increases, which is reflected in the increase in its temperature. This energy is transferred to the working fluid in direct contact with the absorber. Depending on the type of fluid, liquid or air solar collectors are distinguished. When the flow of the working medium takes place naturally, without the support of pumps or fans, the solar collector is treated as a passive device. The gravitational movement of air in the inner space of an air solar collector depends on its construction and its spatial orientation in relation to both the source of radiation and the direction of the force of gravity. This paper describes the results of laboratory experimental tests of a prototype passive air solar collector, including: the influence of radiation intensity and the deflection of the solar collector from the vertical on the increase in the temperature of the air flowing through the collector, the mass flow rate of the air and the efficiency of the device. The tests were carried out using an air solar collector with the dimensions 2080 × 1040 × 180 (height × width × thickness) and radiation intensity in the range of I = 0 ÷ 550 W/m². It was found that the vertical arrangement of the collector does not ensure maximum efficiency of the device. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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20 pages, 7781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eliminating the Influence of Support Conditions on Geometric Shape Measurements of Large Crankshafts of Marine Engines

by Krzysztof Nozdrzykowski, Zenon Grządziel, Magdalena Nozdrzykowska, Rafał Grzejda and Mateusz Stępień

Energies 2023, 16(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010016 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1673

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the possibility of determining the geometric deviations of large crankshafts of engines using both conventional and alternative fuels. Experimental tests were carried out on a test stand adapted to measure crankshafts seated with their main journals on a set of fixed supports with the possibility of height positioning and using a reference measuring system. A comparative assessment of the results was made for a selected crankshaft using the intercorrelation factor ρ, whose value ranged from 0.8982 to 0.9751. It was concluded that the proposed procedures can be useful in assessing of the geometric condition of the crankshafts with axial position deviations and with limited possibilities of their detection resulting from the adopted support conditions with a set of supports positioned at different heights. Experimental tests were supplemented with FE-analyses of the crankshaft supported at multiple locations and loaded with deviations in the position of the main journal axes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research and Application of Alternative Fuels in the Propulsion of Transport Means)

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