Effect of Al₂O₃ and CeO₂ Nano-Additives on Performance and Emission Characteristics of Diesel Engine Fueled with Neem Oil-Biodiesel

Abstract

Due to the rapid depletion of petroleum reserves, many countries recommended the use of vegetable oils as diesel engine fuel. The best way to use edible and non-edible oil as a diesel fuel is to convert it into biodiesel. Biodiesel is a fuel which can be used instead of diesel fuel as an alternative for the existing system of CI engines. The usage of biodiesel causes a few disadvantages like high nitrogen oxides, utilization of high fuel and higher density. To conquer these problems some promising nano-additives are identified for having been used in the production of biodiesel. However, the addition of Nanoparticles will possibly enhance the performance and reduce the emissions. Therefore, the present investigation focuses on the influence of Al2O3 and CeO2 nano-additives on the performance and emissions characteristics of CI engine fueled with methyl esters of Neem. As nano-additives Al2O3 and CeO2 contain high oxygen content, it leads to complete combustion of fuel thereby increasing performance and reducing the oxide formation. In the experimentation, 50ppm, 100ppm of Al2O3 and CeO2 nano-additives were mixed in methyl esters of Neem. Subsequently, the fuel blends of Neem biodiesel (B20N) alone and Neem biodiesel with 50ppm, 100ppm of Al2O3 and CeO2 nano additives in CI engine were employed. The results revealed that, there is a increase in the break thermal efficiency and decrease in specific fuel consumption for B20N and B20N additive blends. Significant reductions in the parameters like CO, UBHC and NOx emissions are attained at B20N in conjunction with 50ppm, 100ppm of Al2O3 and CeO2 Nano-additives blends as compared with diesel. However, there is a slight increase in NOx emissions for B20N and and additive blends.