The project collaborates with Wuhan University of Technology to study ignition properties and reaction kinetics of methanol-hydrotreated vegetable oil blends. Learn about researcher Huaying Wang-Alho’s 3-month research exchange in China.
In the Flex-CPT project, Wang-Alho is contributing to Work Package 3, which involves the experimental validation of alternative fuels. Her research focuses on the ignition and combustion characteristics of methanol and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) blends using low-temperature combustion technology in compression ignition (CI) engines. Specifically, she is studying the ignition delay times of different fuel blends, including methanol, HVO, methanol-HVO blends, and methanol-HVO-1-octanol mixtures. She is also learning how to use CHEMKIN software for simulating and analyzing combustion processes, and is comparing experimental data with simulation results. Her role in the project is to conduct experimental testing using a high-pressure visualized shock tube and to analyze both experimental and simulation data.
This mobility period focused on conducting ignition delay experiments for the various fuel blends mentioned above. The host institution provided critical support through their high-pressure visualized shock tube, which enabled precise measurements of ignition delays under controlled conditions. Their expertise in combustion technology and fuel testing greatly advanced the progress of her research.
– The objective was to better understand the ignition characteristics of these fuel blends and compare the experimental results with the simulation data. This work will help optimize the combustion performance of these alternative fuels in CI engines, says Wang-Alho.
During her stay in China, Wang-Alho successfully conducted several ignition delay experiments and has since started analyzing the results. She also gained valuable experience with CHEMKIN software and made progress in comparing experimental and simulation data. The mobility objectives were largely achieved, and the work sets a solid foundation for further experiments and analysis. She has already planned for a second visit to China in 2025 to continue this research.
– A memorable moment was when I successfully completed my first set of ignition delay measurements with the shock tube. It was also great to experience the welcoming atmosphere at the host institution, and I appreciated the opportunity to interact with colleagues both inside and outside the lab. These exchanges helped to enrich both my professional and personal experience, concludes Wang-Alho.
