ABSTRACT
In this experimental work, the effects of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on emissions and performance of 4.4 kW diesel engine powered by palm biodiesel were studied. Palm biodiesel of 20% by volume was blended with diesel fuel (B20). Each test fuel blend was doped with CuO nanoparticles with concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 ppm. Experimentations were carried out for 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% engine loads at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. Different parameters, such as brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and smoke opacity were analysed. From the results, it is observed that by using CuO nanoparticles along with B20, BTE (1.18%-7.69%) were significantly increased and BSFC (4.12%-6.76) were lowered. Besides, by using CuO nanoparticles, there were also substantial reductions in CO (2.21%-8.86%). Furthermore, there is an insignificant increase in HC (0.3%-9.78%), CO2 (2.38%-5.97%), and NOx (1.75%-5.27%) emissions when compared to B20 blend. However, when compared to diesel fuel all the emissions were low for all biodiesel blends except NOx emission. Overall, it is concluded that CuO could be considered as a appropriate petroleum additive for palm biodiesel blends.
Abbreviations | ||
CuO | = | Copper oxide |
D100 | = | Neat diesel |
B20 | = | 20% palm biodiesel+80% diesel |
B20N25 | = | 20% palm biodiesel+80% diesel+25ppm CuO nanoparticle |
B20N50 | = | 20% palm biodiesel+80% diesel+50ppm CuO nanoparticle |
B20N75 | = | 20% palm biodiesel+80% diesel+75ppm CuO nanoparticle |
BTE | = | Brake thermal efficiency |
BSFC | = | Brake specific fuel consumption |
BSEC | = | Brake specific energy consumption |
CO2 | = | Carbon dioxide |
CO | = | Carbon monoxide |
HC | = | Hydrocarbons |
NOx | = | Nitrogen oxides |
BP | = | Brake power |
EGT | = | Exhaust gas temperature |
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
The data used to support the findings of the study are included within the article.
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Notes on contributors
Harish Venu
Harish Venu obtained his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering (2011) and master degree in IC engines (2013) from Anna University, Chennai. He completed his doctorate in the area of alternate fuels from Anna University, Chennai, in 2018. His research interests include biofuels, alternative fuels, internal combustion engines, nano-additives, and fuel cells.
Prabhu Appavu
Prabhu Appavu received his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering (2005) from Pondicherry University, Puducherry, and master degree in energy engineering (2009) from Anna University, Chennai. He is pursuing Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai. His research areas include biofuels and IC engines.
Venkata Ramanan M
Venkata Ramanan M received his bachelor degree (1998) from University of Madras, Chennai, and master degree (2000) from School of Energy, Trichy. He completed his doctorate in the area of biomass gasification from Anna University, Chennai, in 2008. His research interests include gasification, solar cells, IC engines, alternative fuels, and energy conservation.
Jayaprabakar Jayaraman
Jayaprabakar Jayaraman obtained his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering (2002) from University of Madras. He received his master degree in Thermal Engineering (2008) from Sathyabama University, Chennai. He completed his doctorate in the area of alternate fuels from Sathyabama University, Chennai, in 2017. His research interests include CFD, Solar energy, IC engines, alternative fuels.