Influence of TiO2 nano-additive and compression ratio on the performance parameters in a VCR diesel engine using microalgae biodiesel

Abstract

The current study emphasizes effect of TiO2 nanoparticle dissemination in microalgae biodiesel blend to enhance the characteristics of fuel MAB20 and boost VCR CI engine features. The TiO2 nanoparticle was mixed with microalgae biodiesel at three distinct levels, i.e. (25ppm, 50ppm, and 75ppm) with surfactant (Span80) by ultrasonication. The compression ratio (17, 19, and 21) used at varying braking load. Current research confirms the use of 75 ppm TiO2 nanoparticle in MAB 20 at CR 21 has reduced the unburned hydrocarbon emission by 22.36% and 41.58%, smoke opacity emission by 35.66% and 65.67%, CO emission by 18.60% and 30.69%, NOx emission by 14.58 and 5.62% as compared to MAB20 and Diesel respectively. The TiO2 nanoparticle concentration increases from 25 ppm to 75 ppm. It shows lowered HC emission by 14.49%, CO emission by 13.28%, NOx emission by 9.05%, and smoke emission by 28.42%. In contrast, Brake thermal efficiency has increased by 5.06%, specific fuel consumption reduces to 10.19%, and Exhaust gas temperature has declined by 9.58% as compared to MAB20 and with an increase in nanoparticle concentration from 25ppm to 75ppm BTE has reduced by 0.95%, BSFC has increased by 1.66%, and EGT has lowered by 5.86%. Also, CPmax was increased by 11.75%, and NHRR was increased by 10.84% compared to MAB20. Increase in nanoparticle concentration increases CPmax and NHRR by 7.43% and 6.76%.