Effect of alumina nanoparticles as additive with diesel–biodiesel blends on performance and emission characteristic of a six-cylinder diesel engine using response surface methodology (RSM)

• Published in: Energy conversion and management. X 2021-09, Vol.11, p.100091, Article 100091
• Main Authors: Ghanbari, Mani, Mozafari-Vanani, Lotfali, Dehghani-Soufi, Masoud, Jahanbakhshi, Ahmad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Exhaust emission; IC engine; Nanoparticle; Response surface methodology
• ISSN: 2590-1745; 2590-1745
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecmx.2021.100091

•RSM was applied to optimize the engine performance and exhaust emissions.•Alumina nanoparticle is a good addition for diesel–biodiesel blends to improve the performance and mitigate the emissions of diesel engine.•Adding nano-alumina to diesel–biodiesel blend significantly increases the torque and brake power.•Adding nano-alumina to diesel–biodiesel blend improves combustion and decreases brake specific fuel consumption.•The CO and HC were decreased with nano-diesel–biodiesel blends. In this study, the combined effect of alumina nanoparticles concentration in diesel–biodiesel blended fuels and engine speed on the performance and emission characteristics of a six cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine was investigated. Alumina nanoparticles (40, 80, 120 and 160 ppm) were prepared and added as additive to the diesel–biodiesel blended fuel. A diesel engine was fueled with these blends and operated at different engine speeds (800, 850, 900, 950 and 1000 rpm). The interaction of variables on the emission and performance of the diesel engine was investigated afterwards through response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum values of brake power and torque were obtained as 42.82 kW and 402.8 N.m for nanoparticle concentration of 160 ppm and engine speed of 1000 rpm, respectively. Also, the minimum BSFC, CO and HC were measured as 207.21 gr/kWh, 1.15% and 9%, respectively. The maximum values of CO2 and NOx were recorded as 11.76% and 1899 ppm for nanoparticle concentration of 160 ppm and engine speed of 1000 rpm, respectively. Experimental results showed that alumina nanoparticle is a good addition for diesel–biodiesel blends to improve the performance and decrease the emissions of diesel engine. It was found that the developed mathematical model can be effectively used to predict the engine performance and emission.