Enhanced performance and reduced emissions in LHR engines using Albizia lebbeck antioxidant-infused SBME20 biodiesel

• Published in: Industrial crops and products 2024-12, Vol.222, p.119677, Article 119677
• Main Authors: Balamurugan, M., Dhairiyasamy, Ratchagaraja, Bunpheng, Wasurat, Kit, Chan Choon, Gabiriel, Deepika
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clean fuel; Emission reduction; Engine performance; Low heat rejection engine; Natural antioxidant
• ISSN: 0926-6690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119677

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven research into improving the efficiency and emission profiles of biodiesel-powered engines. This study aimed to enhance the performance and emission characteristics of a low heat rejection (LHR) engine by incorporating a natural antioxidant (NA) additive derived from Albizia lebbeck leaves into a soybean methyl ester (SBME20) biodiesel blend. The primary objective was to determine the optimal concentration of NA that would improve engine efficiency while reducing harmful emissions. The NA was prepared through a process of drying, grinding, and solvent extraction, and then blended with SBME20 biodiesel at concentrations of 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, and 2000 ppm. The physical properties of these blends, such as viscosity, calorific value, density, cetane number, flashpoint, and fire point, were measured according to ASTM standards. Performance and emissions testing was conducted using a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine equipped with partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ)-coated components to assess various loads. The results revealed that the blend with 1000 ppm NA achieved the best overall performance, exhibiting the lowest brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) at 0.38 kg/kWh and the highest brake thermal efficiency (BTE) at 32 %. Furthermore, the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) was reduced, indicating more efficient combustion. Emission measurements showed a 15 % reduction in carbon monoxide (CO), a 10 % decrease in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, a 12 % reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and a 20 % decrease in smoke opacity when compared with the base SBME20 blend. The novelty of this research lies in the application of a natural antioxidant additive from Albizia lebbeck to enhance biodiesel's performance and emission characteristics in LHR engines. Incorporating 1000 ppm NA in SBME20 biodiesel offers a sustainable and efficient alternative for compression ignition engines. Further research is suggested to evaluate long-term effects and scalability for broader industrial applications. [Display omitted] •Optimal 1000 ppm NA blend in SBME20 improves engine efficiency and reduces emissions.•1000 ppm NA blend achieves lowest BSFC of 0.38 kg/kWh and highest BTE of 32 %.•CO emissions reduced by 15 %, HC by 10 %, NOx by 12 %, and smoke opacity by 20 %.•Enhanced combustion efficiency and stability observed with PSZ coating in LHR engine.•Further research suggested the long-term effect