Performance and Emission Analysis of Watermelon Seed Oil Methyl Ester and n-Butanol Blends Fueled Diesel Engine

Abstract

The impact of n-butanol, a next-generation biofuel, with watermelon methyl ester in a constant-speed diesel engine was analyzed. Methyl ester from watermelon seed oil is considered to be a promising alternative source to the standard diesel due to similar characterization. The n-butanol additive was added in small proportions as an oxygenated fuel for reducing emissions, improving thermal efficiency, and accelerating the combustion process. N-Butanol is blended with watermelon methyl ester in the form of emulsions in two different proportions (5% and 10% volume basis). Experiments were conducted with three different emulsions fuels, WME20, W20Bu5D75, and W20Bu10D70, and compared vis-à-vis standard diesel. Investigations revealed that the addition of n-butanol as an enhancer with WME20 improved characteristics owing to its inherent nature of oxygen content. The blending of WME with n-butanol improves brake thermal efficiency when compared to WME20 and slightly matches with standard diesel. The max BTE was recorded 32.79% for WME20Bu10D70 at the crest load. The peak BSFC was 0.26 kg/kWh for W20Bu10D70 at the crest load. The emissions such as CO, smoke opacity, and HC were significantly reduced, vis-à-vis diesel, and the oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were decreased, relative to WME20. The maximum EGT was 354.98°C for W20Bu10D70 at the crest load. The peak CO emissions were 0.078% for W20Bu5D75 at the crest load. The blending of n-butanol with WME20 reduces the ignition delay while the combustion duration increases with an increase at full load conditions. The emulsion fuels tested in an unmodified engine did no negative impact on the engine stability.