Evaluation of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticle Blended with Alcohol Based Biodiesel at Variable Compression Ratios

Abstract

This paper highlights the use of aluminum oxide nanoparticles as an additive in diesel-butanol blends to show its effect on fuel consumption, emissions and performance. In the present experiment, different concentrations of aluminium oxide nanoadditives (30, 50, and 70 ppm) are used in alcohol-based biodiesel. Butanol has been used in concentrations of 5 and 10 % in diesel and therefore all blends are termed as B5 and B10 in addition to nanoparticle concentration to avoid complexity. These different blends (B5+30, B5+50, B5+70, B10+30, B10+50, B10+70) are tested for various engine loads at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. The experiment was performed on a Variable compression ratio (VCR) engine at varying compression ratios of 16, 17, and 18. Engine characteristics at different compositions of the blend at different compression ratios were provided by the interfaced computer through the software. The enhanced performance effects can be easily seen from the outcomes in the increment in brake thermal efficiency of the blends as compared to neat diesel. Considerable decrement can be observed in carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) values with an increase in compression ratio. Moderate reduction can be observed in NO_x at higher loads in contrast to neat diesel.