This study aims to investigate the impact of the combined effects of carbon nanotubes and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) of a common rail direct injection (CRDI) engine fueled with ternary fuels. Three rates of EGR (0%, 10%, and 20%) were used at a standard injection timing of 23° before Top Dead Centre (bTDC). This study involves substituting diesel with biofuels, reducing oxides of nitrogen and soot emissions by 30–40%. The experimental investigation involves the exploration of combustion, exhaust emissions, and performance parameters for a single-cylinder CRDI engine using ternary fuels, which consist of diesel, biodiesel, and bioethanol by volume %. At full load with 20% EGR, the experimental analysis indicated a 2% decrease in BTE, a 3.33% increase in BSFC, and a 3.16% increase in BSEC across the blends in performance. In terms of combustion analysis, results show a 5.25 bar in-cylinder pressure drop, 4.14% reduction in HRR, and 12.62% drop in MGT. However, in terms of emissions, 20% EGR yielded the most favorable results, showing a 62.94% reduction in NOx emissions across all blends, albeit accompanied by a 13.89% increase in hydrocarbons (HCs) and 5% rise in carbon monoxide at full load. The 20% EGR rate effectively minimized NOx emissions while slightly impacting HC and CO emissions.
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