Synergistic effects of nano-enhanced waste transformer oil and hydrogen premixing on CI engine performance and emissions

Abstract

Waste materials possess untapped potential when harnessed effectively. One such resource is waste transformer oil, derived from electrical transformers, which can be converted into a valuable fuel source for compression-ignition (CI) engines using pyrolysis techniques. In this study, we explored the utilization of a 50 % blend of waste transformer oil with diesel, augmented with Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (referred to as “nano fuel of waste transformer oil”), in an unmodified CI engine. To further enhance the performance of this nano fuel, we introduced hydrogen (at flow rates of 2.5 LPM, 5.0 LPM, and 7.5 LPM) into the inlet section during the suction phase, promoting premixing within the cylinder. Hydrogen premixing significantly improved combustion dynamics. Notably, when 7.5 LPM of hydrogen was introduced alongside waste transformer oil-derived nano fuel, a remarkable 37.30 % increase in brake thermal efficiency was achieved. Moreover, this configuration exhibited a 15.33 % reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), a 27.09 % decrease in carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, a 37.50 % decrease in unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions, and a 28.53 % reduction in smoke opacity compared to traditional diesel operation. These results highlight the potential for enhanced CI engine performance and reduced emissions through the strategic combination of waste transformer oil-based nano-fuel and hydrogen premixing. Consequently, we recommend further exploration of hydrogen premixing in conjunction with nano-enhanced waste transformer oil for superior CI engine performance.