Effect of thermal barrier coating on performance and emission characteristics of kapok oil methyl ester in diesel engine

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the observations of an experimental work carried out to study the impact of thermal barrier coating on direct injection (DI) diesel engine. This work also evaluates the performance and emission characteristics of kapok oil biodiesel blended with traditional diesel in a DI diesel engine. Biodiesel obtained from kapok seed oil using the transesterification process was termed as kapok oil methyl ester (KOME). Three fuel samples were prepared, namely B1 (25% KOME with 75% diesel), B2 (50% KOME with 50% diesel) and B3 (75% KOME with 25% diesel). The combustion chamber components like piston head, cylinder head and intake and exhaust valves were coated with 50 μm of NiCrAl and 450 μm of yttria stabilised zirconia (Y₂O ZrO₂). The coated engine showed higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) than the uncoated engine. Among the fuel samples, diesel and B1 showed a similar trend of increasing BTE with decreased BSFC. The coated engine showed lower CO, HC and smoke emissions than the uncoated engine. In the coated engine, B1 exhibited lower CO, HC and smoke emissions except NOx than other fuel samples.

KEYWORDS:

• Thermal barrier coating
• diesel engine
• biodiesel
• performance and emission

Highlights

• Various proportions of kapok oil biodiesel were investigated in DI diesel engines.

• The combustion chamber components were coated with 450 μm of yttria stabilised zirconia (Y₂O ZrO₂) layer.

• In coated engines, high thermal efficiency was observed with decreased fuel consumption.

• Coated engines exhibited lower CO, HC and smoke emissions than uncoated engines except NOx emission.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their thanks to University Grants Commission, South Eastern Regional Office, Hyderabad, India, for financial support through Minor research project for teachers with grant number 4-4/2013-14 (MRP- SEM/UGC- SERO).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University Grants Commission [4-4/2013-14 (MRP- SEM/UGC- SERO)].

Notes on contributors

V Karthickeyan

Dr. V. Karthickeyan obtained his BE degree in Mechanical Engineering with first class from Anna University in the year 2011. He obtained his M.E degree in Internal Combustion Engineering with first class distinction from Anna University in the year 2013. He completed his PhD degree at Anna University in the year 2018.  He has published more than 20 articles in the area of IC engines, alternative fuel, engine modification and emission reduction techniques in International journals.