Gasoline-diesel 'cocktail': Recipe for cleaner, more efficient engines

MADISON

Under heavy-load operating conditions for a diesel truck, the fuel mix in Reitz’ fueling strategy might be as high as 85 percent gasoline to 15 percent diesel; under lighter loads, the percentage of diesel would increase to a roughly 50-50 mix. Normally this type of blend wouldn’t ignite in a diesel engine, because gasoline is less reactive than diesel and burns less easily. But in Reitz’ strategy, just the right amount of diesel fuel injections provide the kick-start for ignition.

…Reitz will present his findings today (Aug. 3) at the 15th U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Diesel Engine-Efficiency and Emissions Research Conference in Detroit. Reitz estimates that if all cars and trucks were to achieve the efficiency levels demonstrated in the project, it could lead to a reduction in transportation-based U.S. oil consumption by one-third.

“That’s roughly the amount that we import from the Persian Gulf,” says Reitz

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