Application of MRSN ratio and Taguchi parametric design in optimization of parameters of DI CI engine fuelled with diesel-biodiesel-higher alcohol blends

Abstract

In this work an effort was made to optimize the design and fuel factors of a direct injection compression ignition engine for lowering the NOx and smoke emission and improving its performance. Four design factors (piston geometry, injection timing, injection pressure and percentage EGR) and four fuel factors (percentage of biodiesel/diesel blend, percentage of butanol, pentanol and propanol) were under examination with three levels (except piston geometry) to study their effect on NOx, smoke and brake thermal efficiency (BTE). Test matrix obtained by following Taguchi Orthoganol array was tested and the results were processed through signal to noise ratio and Taguchi parametric design. From the analysis best combination of factor levels and the best stimulating factor for NOx, smoke and BTE was obtained. It was inferred that the contribution of percentage of biodiesel in the diesel/biodiesel blend and percentage of EGR were marginal when compared to other factors tested in the investigation. Among the higher alcohols tested, propanol has least impact on NOx, smoke and BTE.