Influence of nanoparticles on emission and performance characteristics of biodiesel-diesel blends in a DI diesel engine

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Palm biodiesel
• copper oxide
• nanoparticles
• performance
• emission
• diesel engine

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

Disclosure statement

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.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge that there are no external funding/grants received for this research work

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.