Characterization of the hydroxy fueled compression ignition engine under dual fuel mode: Experimental and numerical simulation

Abstract

This study investigates the characterization of the hydroxy-diesel fueled compression ignition engine under dual fuel (DF) mode on a stationary modified engine. Hydroxy gas (HHO) is supplied along with diesel at three different flow rates of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 lpm. A significant reduction in emission parameters was obtained in carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon and smoke emission as ~58%, ~60%, and ~49%, respectively under the DF mode (at 0.75 lpm HHO and 10 kg load). However, a slight increment in nitrogen oxides (NOX) emission is observed due to the O2 contents in HHO gas. It increases the reaction temperature and results in increasing the NOX emission. The brake thermal efficiency and brake specific energy consumption also improved and found to be ~6.5% and ~6% at the optimized condition. Combustion analysis shows the rate of pressure rise increased due to quicker combustion and decreased combustion duration. A numerical simulation has been performed to optimize the engine load and HHO flow rate using the Hybrid Entropy-VIKOR technique. In addition, a good agreement has been found between simulation and experimental values for performance and emission parameters. The results can be further improved by optimizing the engine operating parameters, i.e., injection pressure, compression ratio, and injection timing in the near future. Overall it can be concluded the HHO can be considered as a prominent alternative fuel for the CI engine with increased efficiency and lower emissions.