Fueling Kubota D902-E3B compression-ignition engines with D2 and B20: Effects on nitrogen oxide emissions, engine wear, fuel efficiency, and engine power

An 18-month in-use study and stationary engine study were conducted comparing NOx emissions (ppm), fuel efficiency (h/L), engine wear, engine torque (Nm), and engine power (hp) of Kubota RTV 900 utility vehicles fueled with D2 and B20. The utility vehicles have Tier IV compliant, Kubota D902-E3B, 3-cylinder, compression-ignition engines (16.1 kW 3200 rpm). For the in-use study there were no significant (p <.05) differences in corrected NOx emissions, fuel efficiency, and engine wear metals between vehicles fueled with B20 or D2. For the stationary engine study, an identical Kubota D902-E3B engine was mounted on a stationary stand and tested with both B20 and D2. These tests showed significant (p <.05) differences in specific NOx emissions with B20 showing significantly lower NOx emissions. There was no significant (p < .05) differences in fuel efficiency, engine torque, or engine power when fueled with B20 or D2. Therefore, B20 would be a suitable alternative fuel for Kubota RTV900 utility vehicles and other similar vehicles.