Multi-objective optimization of performance and emissions characteristics of a variable compression ratio diesel engine running with biogas-diesel fuel using response surface techniques

ABSTRACT

Rapidly intensifying necessitates of energy and depletion of accessible fossil resources has made a remarkable interest in investigation of the alternative fuels. The current investigational work was performed to examine the use of multi-objective optimization (MOP) based on response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the impact of compression ratio (CR), biogas flow rate and engine load on the performance of dual-fuel engine. An engine load of 80%, compression ratio of 18, and biogas flow rate of 2.8 kg/h were observed to be optimal condition. According to these optimized parameters, the value of BTE, NO_X, UHC, CO and smoke opacity were found to be 18.51(%), 13.5 (g/kW.hr), 0.49 (g/kW.hr), CO (0.08% vol.) and 23.6 (%), respectively. Compared with conventional diesel fuel, dual-fuel operational mode can improve brake specific energy consumption and reduce NO_X as well as Smoke opacity, while producing higher emissions of CO and UHC.

KEYWORDS:

• Dual fuel
• biogas
• compression ratio
• performance
• emissions
• response surface methodology

Nomenclature

Table

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to the SERB-DST for providing financial support to carry out study through the Project (SB/ETA-306/2013)

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board [SB/ETA/FTP-306/2013].

Notes on contributors

Sunil Kumar Mahla

Dr. Sunil Kumar Mahla is working as Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University Campus, Hoshiarpur (India). He received his Ph.D. degree from Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi (India) in 2008. His research areas include IC engines & alternative fuels, emission control strategy, dual fuel combustion.

Seyed Mohammad Safieddin Ardebili

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Safieddin Ardebili is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (Iran). He received his PhD for investigating the feasibility of continuous biodiesel production using combined ultrasonic and microwave technique from Tarbiat Modares University (2015). His background and research interests are focused on internal combustion engines (fuels, combustion, pollutions); renewable energies: biomass (biogas, biofuels: a) biodiesel, and b) bioethanol), solar energy and wind energy.

Mostafa Mostafaei

Dr. Mostafa Mostafaei received B.Sc. in 2002 from Tabriz University (Iran), M.Sc. in 2006, and Ph.D. in 2013 from Tarbiat Modares University (Iran), all in Mechanical Engineering of agricultural machinery. His expertise is in biodiesel production using ultrasonic technology and other high tech. His research interests included renewable and sustainable energy in agriculture, application of response surface method (RSM) and artificial intelligence (AI) approach for process optimization. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Razi University, Kermanshah.

Amit Dhir

Dr. Amit Dhir is an Associate Professor at School of Energy and Environment, Thapar University, Patiala, India. He received the B.E. degree (Chemical Engineering) in 1999, the M.Tech degree (Env. Sc. & Engg.) in 2006 and Ph.D. degree (Env. Engg.) in 2012. He has been undertaking various R&D projects in the area of energy & environment related to Advanced Oxidation Processes like heterogeneous photocatalytic processes, radiations based treatment, photoelectrocatalytic processes; hydrocarbon conversion processes; green technologies for sustainable energy (Biogas conversion to hydrogen enriched biogas); utilization of flyash into block formation.

Geetesh Goga

Dr. Geetesh Goga is working as an assistant Professor in mechanical engineering department at KC College of Engineering and IT, Nawanshahr, Punjab, India. He has a total experience of more than 14 year in academics and research and his areas of intrest are Internal Combustion Engine, Alternative fuels and Renewable energy. He has number of research papers published in good quality high impact journals and has also applied for two patents.

Bhupendra Singh Chauhan

Dr. Bhupendra Singh Chauhan currently working as Professor in Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow (UP), India. He graduate from Institution of Engineers (India) in 2002 and Masters in Engineering from Delhi University in 2008. He did his PhD from Kongju National University, South Korea in 2011 and Post Doc from Pusan National University, South Korea. He is having teaching and research experience of over 15 years. He has published more than 60 research papers in reputed journals.