Influence of nanoparticles on emission and performance characteristics of biodiesel-diesel blends in a DI diesel engine

In this experimental work, the effects of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on emissions and performance of 4.4 kW diesel engine powered by palm biodiesel were studied. Palm biodiesel of 20% by volume was blended with diesel fuel (B20). Each test fuel blend was doped with CuO nanoparticles with concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 ppm. Experimentations were carried out for 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% engine loads at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. Different parameters, such as brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and smoke opacity were analysed. From the results, it is observed that by using CuO nanoparticles along with B20, BTE (1.18%-7.69%) were significantly increased and BSFC (4.12%-6.76) were lowered. Besides, by using CuO nanoparticles, there were also substantial reductions in CO (2.21%-8.86%). Furthermore, there is an insignificant increase in HC (0.3%-9.78%), CO2 (2.38%-5.97%), and NOx (1.75%-5.27%) emissions when compared to B20 blend. However, when compared to diesel fuel all the emissions were low for all biodiesel blends except NOx emission. Overall, it is concluded that CuO could be considered as a appropriate petroleum additive for palm biodiesel blends.