Effect of nano-particles on the combustion and emission characteristics of a dual fuel engine operated on biodiesel-producer gas combination

Abstract

In this experimental study, efforts were undertaken to augment the overall efficiency of a dual-fuel engine. This present study was conducted in three steps. In the initial phase, Aluminium oxyhydroxide (AlO(OH)) was synthesized and analyzed using UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD (X-ray diffraction), Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). In the second part of the study, the impact of AlO(OH) NP dosage on the performance of a producer gas-powered diesel engine was investigated. To optimize adequate AlO(OH) NPs addition, three working fluids are prepared by dissolving NPs in dairy scum oil methyl ester (DiSOME) biodiesel ranging from 20 to 60 ppm and varied in steps of 20. In the next phase, the present study examined the effect of 60 ppm of various NPs, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and AlO(OH) on the combustion and emission characteristics of a 1-cylinder 4-stroke direct injection diesel engine operating in dual fuel mode using a combination of DiSOME and producer gas. The study concluded that DiSOME-PG operation with 60 ppm AlO(OH) and without nano-addition resulted in decreased BTE by 2.9 % and 14.6 % respectively compared to diesel-supported dual fuel operation. To the extent that exhaust levels are concerned, AlO(OH) addition to the DiSOME-PG combination lowers hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than identical fuel amalgamation without AlO(OH) NP. It is noticed that the retarded combustion related to the DiSOME-producer gas mixture can be improved with NP addition. The DiSOME-producer gas functioning with NPs addition is the individuality of this current effort.