Experimental Study on Mixed Combustion Characteristics of Methanol/Diesel Pool Fires in Engine Rooms of Hybrid Ships

Jiaqi Dong, Zhongzheng Wu, Jinqi Han, Jianghao Li, Jiacheng Liu, Yunfeng Yan and Liang Wang ()
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Jiaqi Dong: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China
Zhongzheng Wu: Marine Design and Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200011, China
Jinqi Han: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China
Jianghao Li: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China
Jiacheng Liu: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China
Yunfeng Yan: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China
Liang Wang: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-33

Abstract: Methanol/diesel hybrid−powered vessels represent a significant advancement in green and low−carbon innovation in the maritime transportation sector and have been widely adopted across various shipping markets. However, the dual−fuel power system modifies the fire load within the engine room compared to traditional vessels, thereby significantly influencing the fire safety of methanol/diesel−powered ships. In this study, anhydrous methanol and light−duty diesel (with 0 °C pour point) were used as fuels to investigate the mixed combustion characteristics of these immiscible fuels in circular pools with diameters of 6, 10, 14, and 20 cm at various mixing ratios. By analyzing the fuel mass loss rate, flame morphology, and heat transfer characteristics, it was determined that methanol and diesel exhibited distinct stratification during combustion, with the process comprising three phases: pure methanol combustion phase, transitional combustion phase, and pure diesel combustion phase. Slopover occurred during the transitional combustion phase, and its intensity decreased as the pool diameter or methanol fuel quantity increased. Based on this conclusion, a quantitative relationship was established between slopover intensity, pool diameter, and the methanol/diesel volume ratio. Additionally, during the transitional combustion phase, the average flame height exhibited an exponential coupling relationship with the pool diameter and the methanol/diesel volume ratio. Therefore, a modification was made to the classical flame height model to account for these effects. Moreover, a prediction model for the burning rate of methanol/diesel pool fires was established based on transient temperature variations within the fuel layer. This model incorporated a correction factor related to pool diameter and fuel mixture ratio. Additionally, the causes of slopover were analyzed from the perspectives of heat transfer and fire dynamics, further refining the physical interpretation of the correction factor.

Keywords: engine room of hybrid ships; methanol/diesel pool fires; mixed combustion; burning rate; heat transfer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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