Thermodynamic analysis of a thermal barrier-coated CI engine in a dual-fuel mode using biogas

Abstract

Thermodynamic investigation of a diesel engine to assess its effectiveness in the conversion of chemical energy into useful work is necessary. In this work, the engine performance has been characterised based on the exergy and energy analysis and major sources of irreversibility in various engine processes are also studied in dual-fuel mode using biogas. Yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) was used as a thermal barrier coating (TBC) on the piston crown and valves to boost the performance of the dual-fuel engine. The engine with TBC showed improved thermal and exergy efficiency with a reduction in exergy destruction. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was 24.12% and 25.62% for diesel-alone operation in uncoated and coated engine, respectively, at full-load operation, while the BTE decreased by 23%, 29% and 34% for the uncoated engine and 10%, 12% and 19% for the coated engine with the induction of biogas at 0.6, 0.8 and 1 kg h−1, respectively.