Exploring the potential of third-generation microalgae bio-alcohol and biodiesel in arresting particulate smoke emissions and greenhouse gases using CART.

Abstract

Due to the rise in vehicular emissions, the rapid deterioration of the atmospheric air quality is a cause for concern in a global scale. In this context, the objective of this study is to explore the effect of post-injection parameters on a continuous active regeneration trap (CART) to mitigate harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) and particulate smoke emissions (PSE) using diesel fuel reformulated by long-chain microalgae bio-alcohol and low-density microalgae biodiesel. Furthermore, the efficiency of the CART unit is analyzed based on its ability to mitigate the harmful emissions without sacrificing the engine performance characteristics. From the study, it was observed that the maximum de-smoke efficiency of 67.85% is observed at a post-injection timing (PIT) of 20°CA aTDC at a post-injection mass (PIM) of 4mg for low load condition while operating on microalgae biodiesel. While operating on microalgae bio-alcohol, the maximum de-smoke CART efficiency was observed as 67.25% and 55.78% for low and medium load conditions at a PIT and PIM of 20°CA aTDC and 2mg while operating on the microalgae bio-alcohol. Likewise, the maximum de-HC CART efficiency was obtained at a PIT and PIM of 10°CA aTDC and 1mg with a reduction of about 75% and 73.8% for medium and high load conditions. A slight reduction in oxides of nitrogen with the complete elimination of carbon monoxide emissions is observed after CART treatment for both the fuels.