Experimental analysis on performance, combustion & emissions of a diesel engine fueled by Aegle marmelos seed oil biodiesel with additives: Graphene Nanosheets and oxygenated diethyl ether

ABSTRACT

As an alternative fuel for the compression ignition engine, the biodiesel blended with diesel at low ratios is a widespread practice that alleviates exhaust emissions and aids in managing the fossil fuel crisis. However, deterioration in performance and combustion with an upsurge in the NOx emissions restrict the application of a higher ratio or pure biodiesel. Hence, this analysis aims to examine and combine distinctive benefits associated with different additives in a blend with biodiesel for maximum replacement of diesel. Maintaining one-half (50% (v/v) of diesel ratio fixed, various combinations of Bael (Aegle marmelos) seed oil biodiesel (B), and additives: Graphene nanosheets (GN), oxygenated diethyl ether (DEE in % v/v) are prepared and tested. The experimentation carried out in two phases, 1) finding the optimum blend (biodiesel-additives) and 2) investigating the performance and emission characteristics of the engine fueled by blends in comparison to diesel. The new additive GN is synthesized using a facile and greener method at room temperature. Results revealed that the blend comprising of biodiesel with dual additives shows improved performance and emission characteristics compared to without additives, any single additive, and pure diesel. The optimum improvement of CO by 41%, NOx by 13.5%, particulates by 45%, UHC by 39%, peak BTE by 3%, BSFC by 5.5% found with the optimum blend (D50+ B35+ GN100 ppm+DEE15). Hence, half of the diesel replaced by the optimum combination, besides a significant positive effect on the atmosphere.

KEYWORDS:

• Aegle marmelos seed biodiesel
• Graphene nanosheets
• diethyl ether
• diesel engine
• performance
• emissions

Nomenclature

NOx – Nitrogenous oxides

B - Biodiesel

GN – Graphene nanosheets

DEE – Diethyl ether

CO – Carbon monoxide

UHC – Unburnt hydrocarbons

BTE – Brake thermal efficiency

BSFC – brake specific fuel consumption

D - Diesel

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

TDC - Top dead center

MPa - Mega Pascal

Ml – Milliliter

kW – kilowatt

ppm – Parts per million