Energy and exergy analyses of Al2O3-diesel-biodiesel blends in a diesel engine

Abstract

The usage of nanoparticles as a fuel additive to improve fuel economy and reduce harmful exhaust emissions has been a popular research topic in recent years. The effects of biodiesel (5% in volume) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (50 ppm and 100 ppm) addition to pure diesel on the energy and exergy analysis of a diesel engine were investigated in this experimental study. The experiments were carried out at variable engine loads (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and constant engine speed at 1,500 rpm. The results of this study showed that the biodiesel addition increased the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) while decreased slightly the brake thermal efficiency (BTE). As well as, the heat loss from cooling water increased, whereas the unaccounted heat loss, the engine brake power, and the heat loss by exhaust gases reduced. On the other hand, the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles at a rate of 50 ppm and 100 ppm to biodiesel-pure diesel blend increased the BTE and the exergy efficiency by 8.15% and 7.28%, averagely. Further, BSFC, entropy generation, and unaccounted losses decreased by 7.57%, 13.49%, and 31.89% averagely.