PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF CI ENGINE FUELLED WITH NANOCATALYST BLENDED HYBRID BIODIESEL – DIESEL FUEL

Abstract

Recent studies affirm that petro-diesel fuel properties vary by adding the biodiesel. In addition, catalysts can mix with these fuels to improve their performance characteristics. In the present paper, an experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of the Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) nanocatalyst additives. The Multi walled carbon nanotubes are blended with diesel and two different proportion of Hybrid biodiesel 20% & 30% by volume in three different concentrations of 50mg/lit, 75 mg/lit and 100 mg/lit. The blends of diesel and Hybrid biodiesel with MWCNT were prepared using Probe-type ultrasonicator. The whole experiment was carried out using fuels as neat diesel and MWCNT blended diesel and Hybrid biodiesel accordingly. Biodiesel is considered a sustainable substitute for petroleum diesel due to its biodegradability and oxygen content. However, limitations such as higher viscosity and lower calorific value restrict its direct application. This study investigates the performance characteristics of a CI engine operated using hybrid biodiesel blended with diesel and enhanced by Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) nanocatalyst additives. Experimental results indicate improved brake thermal efficiency and reduced brake specific fuel consumption