Nanoparticles as additive in biodiesel on the working characteristics of a DI diesel engine

This experimental work investigates the performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a single cylinder direct injection (DI) diesel engine with three fuel series: biodiesel–diesel (B20), biodiesel–diesel–nanoparticles (B20A30C30) and biodiesel–nanoparticles (B100A30C30). The nanoparticles such as Alumina (Al2O3) and Cerium oxide (CeO2) of each 30 ppm are mixed with the fuel blends by means of an ultrasonicator, to attain uniform suspension. Owing to the higher surface area/volume ratio characteristics of nanoparticles, the degree of mixing and chemical reactivity are enhanced during the combustion, attaining better performance, combustion and emission attributes of the diesel engine. The brake thermal efficiency of the engine for the nanoparticles dispersed test fuel (B20A30C30) significantly improved by 12%, succeeded by 30% reduction in NO emission, 60% reduction in carbon monoxide emission, 44% reduction in hydrocarbon emission and 38% reduction in smoke emission, compared to that of B100.