This discovery will revolutionize the diesel engine

© Unsplash/Jennifer Latuperisa

Diesel vehicle owners are holding their breath. As Low Emission Zones (LEZs) multiply and restrictions tighten, a discovery could be a game changer. Researchers at RUDN University have managed the unthinkable: run a diesel engine on pure rapeseed oil. An advance that could radically transform the future of this engine.

Rapeseed oil, a new lease of life for diesel engines

Diesel has been going through a dark period since the Dieselgate scandal. However, these engines remain appreciated for their robustness and fuel economy. Professor Pablo Vallejo and his team have taken on an ambitious challenge: adapting this technology to current environmental issues. Their solution: ? Replace fossil fuel with rapeseed oil.

Tests conducted on an MD-6 engine, usually used in agricultural machinery, demonstrate the potential of this innovation. Of course, the researchers had to make technical modifications to achieve performances close to those of traditional diesel.

Biofuel has considerable environmental benefits. Fine particle emissions are falling drastically, paving the way for a possible reclassification of vehicles in ZFE. A glimmer of hope for the millions of drivers currently threatened by traffic restrictions.

From the lab to the road: the example of heavy goods vehicles

This innovation is not coming out of nowhere. The heavy goods vehicle sector already uses rapeseed oil as fuel. The Avril group markets Oléo100, a fuel made from 100% rapeseed, adopted by many French hauliers. The results are conclusive: 80% reduction in fine particle emissions, with excess consumption limited to 5%.

Manufacturers are gradually adapting. Renault Trucks, MAN, Volvo Trucks and Scania offer models certified to run on B100. These vehicles obtain the precious Crit’Air 1 sticker, generally reserved for the most recent petrol engines. A considerable advantage for driving in restricted areas.

The challenges of large-scale democratization

The transition to private cars still requires some adjustments. The technical challenges are numerous: adaptation of injection systems, temperature management, material compatibility. Researchers at RUDN University are actively working on these aspects to make the technology accessible to as many people as possible.

Infrastructure is also a major challenge. Currently, Oléo100 is not available at traditional service stations. Companies must install their own supply tanks. Developing a distribution network adapted to individuals is becoming crucial to democratize this solution.

The regulations will also have to change. For the time being, only vehicles that comply with the Euro 6 standard, manufactured after 2014, can use rapeseed oil as fuel. An adaptation of the standards would make it possible to extend this solution to a wider vehicle fleet.

The future of diesel, currently tainted by AdBlue defects, could therefore take an unexpected turn. This innovation responds to environmental concerns while preserving the historical advantages of this engine. The coming months will be decisive in assessing the potential for large-scale deployment.

• Researchers have succeeded in running a diesel engine on pure rapeseed oil
• This innovation significantly reduces pollutant emissions and could save diesel vehicles from ZFE restrictions
• The technology is already used in heavy-duty vehicles, with promising results for future adaptation to passenger cars

📍 To not miss any Presse-citron news, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.

[ ]