Influence of zinc oxide nano particles on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of butanol-diesel-ethanol blends in DI CI engine

Abstract

Ethanol is a renewable fuel and can be produced from biomass. Diesohol (ethanol and diesel) blends containing 45% diesel, 45% ethanol with 10% butanol as co solvent can be utilized as fuel in a direct injection compression ignition (DI CI) engine without any modification. 10% butanol was found as an optimum level to control phase separation in diesohol blends. In this work, zinc oxide nano particles were added to D45E45B10 (45%diesel, 45% ethanol and 10% butanol) in three proportions by means of ultra-sonication to arrive at a homogeneous blend. Blends were tested for essential properties as per ASTM standards and tested in a CI engine at various loads for performance. The results were compared with diesel. The results showed significant improvement in the energy content of the blends as a result of the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles.. The catalytic action of zinc oxide nano particles resulted in an increase in brake thermal efficiency and a decrease in the emissions of CO, HC, and smoke. However, there was a slight increase in emissions of NOx at rated power. The in cylinder pressure and the rate of heat release of all the blends were improved by the addition of zinc oxide nano particles.