Can We Combine Diesel and Petrol Engines: An Examination of Feasibility and Limitations

Introduction:

The idea of integrating diesel and petrol engines is intriguing, but does it hold any practical application? This article explores the concept, focusing on modern gas turbines, historical military engines, and the challenges faced with traditional piston engines.

Gas Turbines: The Intersection of Diesel and Petrol

While the title suggests combining diesel and petrol engines, there are contexts where both diesel and petrol are used in a single system. Gas turbines, for example, can be versatile enough to burn both fuel types. These engines have the ability to utilize diesel-like kerosene and even a gasoline-based mixture called Jet B.

Jet Fuel Similarities:

Kerosene (Jet A): This is the most common type of jet fuel, very similar to diesel. Jet B: This fuel is approximately 65% gasoline and 35% kerosene, making it a blend of diesel and petrol.

Given the similarities between diesel and kerosene, a gas turbine running on Jet B effectively uses a mixture of both fuel types. However, it's important to note that while these engines can run on a mixture, there is no strong reason to use such a blend over existing fuel options.

Piston Engines: The Complexity of Combining Fuels

Representatives of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) such as piston engines work on fundamentally different principles. While both types of engines use compression, diesel engines have significantly higher compression rates. Combining these engines would require several modifications, including:

Multiplexed injection systems Inclusion of spark plugs Different timing systems Doubling up of computer control systems Potential need for dual exhaust systems

Historically, some military engines in the 1960s were designed to handle such complexity but remained specialized. They required diesel fuel, with the option to add other types of fuel in emergencies. However, these engines were not practical for standard use, as one could not simply run out of diesel, fill up at a petrol pump, and drive away.

Modern Applications and Limitations

While integrating diesel and petrol engines is challenging, modern gas turbines do offer a rare intersection where both fuels can coexist. However, these turbines often have poor fuel efficiency, making them impractical for everyday use. As for piston engines, combining diesel and petrol is not a feasible or practical solution.

Military and Industrial Applications

Not all is lost when it comes to running on a variety of fuels. The M1A1 tank is a prime example of a vehicle that can run on diesel, gasoline, and even jet fuel. Interestingly, the army often prefers jet A as it is a turbine engine-friendly fuel. This indicates that it is indeed possible to run a car on a mixture of diesel and petrol, but the feasibility and practicality of such a setup are questionable.

Conclusion:

The concept of combining diesel and petrol engines may seem appealing, but the practical challenges and complexities make it a non-viable solution for most applications. Modern gas turbines offer some versatility, and military and industrial applications demonstrate the possibility, albeit with limitations.