Diesel Fuel Heater Using Engine Coolant for Cold Weather Operation

Abstract

The paper studies diesel fuel heating in vehicle operation at below-zero temperatures by means of engine coolant and a helical coil heat exchanger placed in the fuel tank. A preliminary prototype of the helical coil heat exchanger was manufactured and investigated on a diesel engine truck operating in real winter conditions being measured the diesel fuel and coolant temperatures. The experimental data on coolant temperature variation and heating time were used to improve the final thermostatically controlled design.