India has marked a significant milestone with the development of its first 100% Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuelled tractor, an event that is making waves in the news. The Institute of Technology in Kanpur is responsible for this development, which promises greater thermal efficiency and lesser emissions than the conventional diesel engines. This research was backed by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), part of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The project is in sync with NITI Ayog’s ‘Methanol Economy’ program, looking to cut down on India’s oil import expenses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Points about DME Fuel
Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a synthetically produced alternative fuel that can be used directly in specifically designed compression ignition diesel engines. Several countries namely Japan, USA, China, Sweden, Denmark, and Korea already use DME to fuel their vehicles. DME stands as a renewable alternative to crude oil.
Under standard atmospheric conditions, DME is a colorless gas with comparable calorific value and similarity of its thermal efficiency to traditional fuels. It is a clean-burning fuel with low particulate matter and low emissions.
Uses of DME
DME finds widespread use in the chemical industry and also as a solvent, fuel, and refrigerant. It serves as an ozone-friendly aerosol propellant, replacing harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). DME is a crucial intermediate for producing valuable chemicals such as lower olefins, dimethyl sulfate, and methyl acetate.
Environmental Benefits of DME
The DME-fueled engine has shown remarkably low particulate and soot emissions. It near eliminates the generation of smoke, all without requiring costly exhaust gas after-treatment devices or advanced engine technologies. Given that the agriculture and transport sectors heavily depend on conventional diesel engines, technologies like DME provide viable and eco-friendly alternatives.
DME as a Renewable Alternative
India’s heavy dependence on foreign oil imports to meet energy demands across various sectors necessitates a switch to renewable alternatives. In this context, DME emerges as a renewable alternative fuel that can be domestically produced.
Reinforcing Methanol Economy Program
A critical goal of NITI Ayog’s ‘Methanol Economy’ program is the conversion of domestic coal reserves, low-value agricultural biomass waste, and municipal solid waste into methanol and DME. The development of the 100% DME fuelled tractor aligns well with these objectives.
Information on the Biodiesel Mission
The National Mission on Biodiesel was initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) with a specific focus on the plantation of Jatropha. A plant of Latin American origin, Jatropha finds extensive use in producing renewable energy, controlling erosion, improving soil, and reducing poverty across Africa, Asia, and Latin American nations.
Biodiesel, an alternative to conventional diesel, can be produced from straight vegetable oil, animal oil/fats, tallow, and waste cooking oil through a process called transesterification. This environmentally friendly fuel is carbon neutral.