What is the calorific value of diesel?
2 Answers
Diesel has a calorific value of 3.3*10^7J/L. Below are relevant introductions: Introduction 1: Diesel has a higher heat capacity per unit volume compared to gasoline, resulting in greater distance traveled per liter. The exhaust gases from diesel combustion differ from gasoline; while some pollutants are lower, diesel contains more impurities and burns less completely without ignition, producing more soot. Automobile companies are developing technologies to reduce pollution. Introduction 2: To mitigate pollution caused by soot, in recent years, diesel-burning machinery, including vehicles, in Western European countries must be equipped with particulate filters. Additionally, sulfur oxide pollution is another concern, making the sulfur content in diesel a key focus. Many markets have introduced ultra-low sulfur diesel, with stricter regulations requiring sulfur content below 10-50ppm.
The calorific value of diesel is approximately 42 to 44 megajoules per kilogram, which converts to over 10,000 kilocalories. This figure represents the combustion energy of the fuel. As a car enthusiast, I believe this directly impacts engine efficiency and fuel consumption performance. Diesel vehicles, due to their higher calorific value, are generally more fuel-efficient and offer longer range on long-distance drives. Compared to gasoline, which has a similar calorific value, diesel burns more completely and delivers greater torque, making it particularly advantageous for climbing hills or hauling loads. However, calorific value isn't fixed—some low-quality fuels on the market have lower values, leading to increased fuel consumption, poor performance, and a higher risk of carbon buildup. When buying or maintaining a car, I always remind myself to choose fuel from reputable gas stations to avoid such issues. In daily driving, you can feel the difference: with good-quality fuel, the engine runs quieter and acceleration is smoother—a handy little tip. Additionally, calorific value is also related to emission control; higher values mean cleaner combustion and reduced exhaust pollution.
