A computational technique for prediction and optimization of VCR engine performance and emission parameters fuelled with Trichosanthes cucumerina biodiesel using RSM with desirability function approach

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2022-09, Vol.254, p.124293, Article 124293
• Main Authors: Manimaran, Rajayokkiam, Mohanraj, Thangavelu, Venkatesan, Moorthy, Ganesan, Rajamohan, Balasubramanian, Dhinesh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Desirability function approach; Emission; RSM; Trichosanthes cucumerina biodiesel; VCR engine
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.124293

Global concerns about pollution, rapidly diminishing fossil fuels, energy accessibility, and sustainability have prompted researchers to focus on alternative energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels, second-generation biofuels are considered a viable and promising substitute for the existing resources. This study utilizes waste-to-energy to produce biodiesel from trichosanthes cucumerina waste seeds. Biofuel characteristics were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The engine test blends are prepared with different trichosanthes cucumerina biodiesel (TCB) proportions (30%, 50%, 70% and 100%), and their thermophysical properties were assessed according to the ASTM standards. The performance and emission characteristics were analyzed using TCB blends in the variable compression ratio diesel engine. With the support of experimental results, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used for developing the multiple regression model. The desirability function approach minimizes the brake specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and engine exhaust emissions and maximizes brake thermal efficiency. The optimum input factors were found from the RSM modeling as 45% TCB blend, the compression ratio 17.5:1 and 1.5 kW engine load. Experimental results validate the engine's optimized response, and the observed error percentage is less than 6.5%. In comparison to the baseline diesel fuel, the 45% TCB blend delivered lower emissions of HC by 4.26%, CO by 3.74% and smoke opacity by 4.67% and produced identical engine performance. Based on the above results, the 45% TCB blend can be considered a feasible alternative source for diesel fuel. [Display omitted] •Biodiesel is produced from waste trichosanthes cucumerina seeds.•Engine load, Compression ratio, TCB blends were considered as input factors.•Multiple regression model was generated for engine output response prediction.•Desirability function approach was applied for input parameters optimization.•45% TCB blend improves engine performance and reduces emission level than diesel fuel.