The growing population and exhaustion of fossil fuels necessitate our search for new sources of energy. The study for this research encompasses an amalgamation of interest in alternative fuels, advanced engine technology such as variable compression ratio VCR, engine component modification, and a methodical approach to testing for assessing the effects on key performance of the engine. A 3.5 kW compression ignition (CI) engine was fueled with blends of behada, chicken fat, and turmeric oil methyl ester. Engine operating parameters, such as the compression ratio (CR), rate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and piston top geometry, are optimized to maximize engine performance. CI engine was modified by changing the piston head (square and tangential groove top) for methyl ester diesel blend operations. In the study, diesel fuel is designated as B00 and methyl ester as B20. The influence of compression ratio (CR16 and CR18) with exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR 0% and EGR 10%) was evaluated. The key performance indicators: brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are investigated. Results indicate that an increase in BTE accompanies an increase in load, suggesting enhanced thermal efficiency with increased power output. The consequence of VCR is also investigated, and it is determined that a higher CR results in a higher BTE due to an increase in compression pressure and temperature, thereby enhancing combustion. Due to the re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons with the addition of EGR at a 10% rate, BTE increases further. Utilizing a piston geometry with tangential grooves and methyl ester blends also contributes to increased BTE. BSEC increases with increasing load, with an important rise observed when operating at maximum capacity. However,at CR 18, BSEC decreases as a result of enhanced combustion efficiency. EGR has different effects on BSEC depending on the geometry of the piston and the kind of fuel used. Enhanced air-fuel blending and re-combustion of unburned hydrocarbons reduce the BSEC of the engine. The tangential groove top piston operates with 10% EGR. Similar to BSEC, BSFC decreases with increasing CR and improves with the use of a piston with a tangential groove and 10% EGR operation. AFR decreases as the consumption of fuel increases to meet the power demand, and higher CR values result in a lower AFR. EGT rises with load, and CR18 has a lower EGT than CR16 as a result of a higher compressing temperature and pressure. 10% EGR operation reduces EGT by decreasing the concentration of oxygen in the combustible area.
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