Exploring the Combined Effects of Hydrogen and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Performance, Emissions, and Combustion Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Operating on Ternary Fuel Mode

Abstract

This study explores a unique fuel blend known as ternary fuel (TF), which consists of 10% ethanol, B20 (a mix of 20% Nerium oleander methyl ester and 80% diesel), and 50 mg/L (C50) of multiwall carbon nanotubes with hydrogen (H2) infusion of 6 lpm to examine how the TF + C50 + H2 combination affects the engine performance. The results indicated that brake thermal efficiency is boosted by 7.79%, while the brake-specific fuel consumption dropped by 17.6% for the TF + C50 + 6H2 blend at maximum load when compared with the B20 blend. Emissions of CO2, CO, and HC were also reduced by 8.5%, 10.2%, and 9.3%, respectively, for the TF + C50 + 6H2 blend at maximum load compared with diesel. Interestingly, NOx emissions decreased by 8.2% for the TF + C50 blend when compared with the TF + C50 + 6H2. The combustion characteristics showed a notable increase of 13.5% in-cylinder pressure and 5.9% in heat release rate for the TF + C50 + 6H2 blend compared with diesel. Furthermore, both the net heat release rate and cumulative heat release rate are improved, and the mass fraction burn was higher in the TF + C50 + 6H2 blend. Overall, these results highlight that infusing hydrogen can significantly enhance engine performance while cutting down emissions, making the TF + C50 + 6H2 blend a promising alternative fuel option.