Over the decades, the diesel engine is being extensively utilised in isolated locations (e.g. remote areas and islands) for power generation because of its reliability and fuel efficiency. In recent years, renewable energies (e.g. wind and solar) with diesel generators were introduced in hybrid power systems to remove diesel generation (DG). However, they cannot be eliminated fully because of the unpredictability and unavailability of renewable sources. In this regard, low load diesel operation (below 30% of maximum rated power) is considered to achieve the highest possible penetration of renewable energy sources. This study has emphasised the use of diesel engines that can run on diesel and biodiesel fuel blends for power generation in remote areas and islands. Firstly, the aspects of diesel power generation, including DG in hybrid power systems for remote areas and islands, are outlined. Secondly, the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines fuelled with standard diesel fuels are reviewed. Thirdly, various techniques for increasing brake thermal efficiency (BTE), power and torque under various speed and loading conditions, such as injection timing, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and turbocharging, are discussed extensively along with their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the use of biodiesels that are made from edible and non-edible oils and their blends with diesel as an alternative to diesel fuels are assessed and compared in terms of their performance and emissions in diesel engine. Biodiesels that are made from landfill waste is a contemporary issue. Their use in diesel engine is discussed in detail. This study identified that fuel injection timing is a key parameter that significantly impacts ignition delay and engine performance. EGR systems, turbocharging and supercharging techniques improve engine performance and reduce emissions noticeably. Biodiesels and their blends with diesel resulted in substantial reductions in CO and HC emissions but increased NOx emissions. This study recommended hybrid power generation (e.g. diesel and renewable) for remote areas and islands, and low load conditions (up to 30%) are most suitable for the maximum renewable penetration in diesel fuel.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	remote areas power generation, diesel engine, biodiesels, renewable energy
Research Division:	Engineering
Research Group:	Mechanical engineering
Research Field:	Energy generation, conversion and storage (excl. chemical and electrical)
Objective Division:	Energy
Objective Group:	Energy storage, distribution and supply
Objective Field:	Energy systems and analysis
UTAS Author:	Mustayen, AGMB (Mr Billah)
UTAS Author:	Rasul, MG (Professor Mohammad Rasul)
UTAS Author:	Wang, X (Professor Xiaolin Wang)
UTAS Author:	Negnevitsky, M (Professor Michael Negnevitsky)
UTAS Author:	Hamilton, JM (Mr James Hamilton)
ID Code:	149887
Year Published:	2022
Web of Science® Times Cited:	6
Deposited By:	Engineering
Deposited On:	2022-04-22
Last Modified:	2022-09-13
Downloads:	0