Research on the Performance of Biodiesel using Diesel Engines with Different Combustion Chamber Shapes

Abstract

The performance dynamics of diesel engines powered by biodiesel are examined in this study, with a focus on the impact of various combustion chamber configurations. Understanding how diverse combustion chamber designs impact engine performance, emissions profiles, and combustion efficiency under varied operating situations is the main goal. The study used a 25% blend of Corn Oil Methyl Ester (COME25) biodiesel to test two types of engines: a Toroidal Cavity Piston (TCP) engine and a regular Hemispherical Cavity Piston (HCP) engine. When compared to the COME25 HCP engine, the TCP engine exhibits a notable 2.14% gain in Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) at maximum power. This improvement is attributable to the TCP engine's capacity to produce more cylinder swirl and turbulence, which leads to more effective combustion. This efficiency improvement comes with trade-offs, too, since full-power operation results in a simultaneous 28% reduction in Carbon Monoxide (CO) and a 25% reduction in Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, but a 14% rise in nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions. These results demonstrate the intricate relationship between emissions control and combustion chamber shape. Along with the TCP engine and COME25 blend, the study also examines changes in Compression Ratio (CR). It finds that optimising both CR and combustion chamber geometry can result in a 9.6% decrease in Brake-Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) and a 2.31% rise in BTE. This illustrates the possible advantages of optimising engine settings to increase performance. The study offers insightful information for optimising diesel engines using biodiesel mixes, presenting a viable path for raising combustion efficiency and lowering emissions.