Biodiesel from water hyacinth biomass and its influence on CI engine performance, emission, combustion and heat loss characteristics with the induction of hydroxy

Abstract

A combination of biodiesel with hydroxy is expected to be one of the most viable fuels to enhance engine performance besides stringent emission norms. In this study, biodiesel was produced from water hyacinth and injected into the engine along with HHO in a volumetric ratio of 40% (BD40). The test was performed in a 4-stroke cycle, single cylinder, and water cool CI engine to evaluate performance, emission, combustion, and heat loss characteristics. The maximum biodiesel yield of 87% was obtained at 1% KOH, 9:1 M ratio, 500 rpm, and 55 °C for 90 min. The engine results showed that a mixture of hydroxy and biodiesel blends caused an increment of BTE by 12.4% while reducing BSEC by 13.5%, HC by 48% and CO by 21.9% as compared to DF. However, the induction of hydroxy increased NOx emission by 47.3% at full operational mode. The peak HHR, peak cylinder pressure, and ID were higher for hydroxy operated engine. The supplementation of hydroxy increased heat loss through the cooling water, and the exhaust. Thus, the present investigation has proved that the induction of hydroxy with BD40 in the CI engine improves performance and reduces exhaust emission like CO and HC except for NOx.