The effect of Zinc Oxide on Operation of Compression Ignition Engine with EGR fueled with Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel

Abstract

Nanoparticles are being used increasingly along with second and third generation biofuels. One major advantage of nanoparticles is its surface to volume ratio and also the number of active surfaces it possess which make it ideal for application as a catalyst in a chemical reaction or in biodiesel’s case an additive. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) has been employed in the current experimentation as an additive because it improves the properties such as the flash and fire point of the fuel in which it is blended in. Also, ZnO disperses well in fluid and provides advanced theoretical density along with not getting clogged in the fuel pump. In the present work Biodiesel derived from Waste cooking oil-Waste cooking oil methyl ester (WCOME) has been used along with ZnO nanoparticle and the amount of ZnO used is 80 ppm. The engine is also fitted with hot Exhaust Gas Recirculation system in order to decrease the Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emission. Combustion properties such as Heat Release Rate and P-θ diagram have been thoroughly studied. The performance parameters like Brake Specific Fuel Consumption and Break Thermal Efficiency are also calculated and plotted on graphs for evaluation. Exhaust gases from the engine are measured and the results have been plotted on graphs for comparison. The properties of exhaust gases considered are % of Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen oxides, Unburnt Hydrocarbons & Smoke Opacity. From the results it was revealed that all 3 parameters: Performance, Combustion & Emissions of the engine was improved by using ZnO as additive.