An experimental approach on the utilization of palm oil biodiesel with higher concentration of Al2O3 nanoadditive for performance enhancement and emission reduction.

Abstract

Demand for energy is one of the crises that the whole world is now facing as a direct result of the rapid depletion of fossil resources. Because of the many positive effects that biodiesel may have on both the economy and the environment, a significant amount of study has been conducted on the topic in recent years. In order to improve the physiochemical qualities, a number of researchers have been conducting studies to determine whether or not biodiesel can be used effectively as a renewable fuel in diesel engines. This research report presents the findings of an experimental investigation into the use of aluminium oxide nanoparticles as an additive in alternative fuel made from palm oil biodiesel. The investigation was carried out in the context of a nanoparticle mix. The method of transesterification is used in the manufacturing of biodiesel. The properties of the tested using American Society of Testing Methods (ASTM). The results showed that there is a significant increase in the brake thermal efficiency and a reduction of the brake-specific fuel consumption from the engine using biodiesel blends. When compared to the diesel fuel in the engine, the brake thermal efficiency of the engine fuelled using POBD20 with 50ppm Al2O3 nanoadditive and POBD20 is found to be 11.78 and 4.76% respectively, while the engine is operated at peak load. However, the BTE is improved by about 14.16, 15.69, 20.55 and 18.39% using POBD20 and POBD20 with 25, 50 and 75ppm Al2O3 nanoadditive respectively compared to neat palm oil biodiesel. The improvement in the BTE of the engine would be completely due to the existence of higher thermal conductivity nanoparticle which enhanced the surface to volume ratio with in the fuel. This acts as a chemical catalyst during the combustion and thereby increases the burning rate of fuel inside the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the NOx formation increased with other emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (UBHC) which are reduced.