Modeling Calorific Values and CO2 Emissions of Natural Gas and Dimethyl Ether Fuel Blends


Authors : Adeyemi Taofeek Opemipo; Ekanem Stephen Anthony; Victor Joseph Aimikhe

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4dz9y6zx

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3d56mssd

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec1191

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The global transition to cleaner energy requires strategies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining reliable energy supply. This study developed and validated mathematical models to predict the calorific value and CO2 emissions of natural gas–dimethyl ether (DME) mixtures across compositions ranging from 0% to 100% DME. Using ideal gas thermodynamics and differential carbon accounting, the models were implemented in Microsoft Excel for accessibility and practical application. Results show that DME blending increases volumetric energy density almost linearly, with each 10% DME addition raising energy density by about 3.8% and achieving a 38% increase at 100% DME compared to pure natural gas. This reduces volumetric flow requirements, offering advantages over hydrogen blending. The CO2 model, based on lifecycle assessment, indicates that emissions depend primarily on the DME production pathway. Renewable Power-to-X routes using offshore wind can reduce emissions to 8.1 gCO2eq/MJ—an 85% reduction relative to natural gas—while fossil-based routes may exceed 200 gCO2eq/MJ. Although experimental validation is still needed, the models align with thermodynamic theory and literature benchmarks. Overall, natural gas–DME blending represents a viable, low carbon fuel bridge technology for lowering emissions, particularly when supported by renewable production pathways and effective policy frameworks.

Keywords : Natural Gas, Dimethyl Ether, CO2 Emissions, Calorific Value, Low Carbon Fuels.

References :

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The global transition to cleaner energy requires strategies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining reliable energy supply. This study developed and validated mathematical models to predict the calorific value and CO2 emissions of natural gas–dimethyl ether (DME) mixtures across compositions ranging from 0% to 100% DME. Using ideal gas thermodynamics and differential carbon accounting, the models were implemented in Microsoft Excel for accessibility and practical application. Results show that DME blending increases volumetric energy density almost linearly, with each 10% DME addition raising energy density by about 3.8% and achieving a 38% increase at 100% DME compared to pure natural gas. This reduces volumetric flow requirements, offering advantages over hydrogen blending. The CO2 model, based on lifecycle assessment, indicates that emissions depend primarily on the DME production pathway. Renewable Power-to-X routes using offshore wind can reduce emissions to 8.1 gCO2eq/MJ—an 85% reduction relative to natural gas—while fossil-based routes may exceed 200 gCO2eq/MJ. Although experimental validation is still needed, the models align with thermodynamic theory and literature benchmarks. Overall, natural gas–DME blending represents a viable, low carbon fuel bridge technology for lowering emissions, particularly when supported by renewable production pathways and effective policy frameworks.

Keywords : Natural Gas, Dimethyl Ether, CO2 Emissions, Calorific Value, Low Carbon Fuels.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - January - 2026

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