Investigation of usage of neat palm biodiesel in CI engine using cerium oxide nanoparticle addition to the fuel

Abstract

This research focused on using neat palm biodiesel in a diesel engine to facilitate better combustion performances and discharge minimisation. The poor engine performance characteristics of biodiesel due to incomplete combustion were rectified using the test fuel consisting of Cerium Oxide nanoparticles which functioned as a catalyst. The test was conducted by the addition of 30 and 60 ppm cerium oxide nanoparticles with one litre of palm biodiesel and its outcomes were correlated with conventional diesel as well as palm biodiesel. The test results shows that the SFC was reduced by 5.71% and 9.85%, and the BTE improved by 1.06% and 1.61% under the usage of the 30 and 60 ppm CeO2 mixed neat palm biodiesel, respectively. Also, the undesirable emissions inclusive of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons were reduced extensively. The NOx was also reduced to a respectable level in the exhaust due to the addition of nanoparticles with the palm biodiesel.