Taguchi based optimization of diesel engine parameters with blends of lemon grass oil with ZnO

Abstract

An experimental investigation is carried out to analyze the performance and emission characteristics of a compression ignition engine while using Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as additive in diesel-biodiesel blends. In the first phase of the experiments, stability of neat diesel and diesel-biodiesel fuel blends with the addition of Zinc oxide nanoparticles are analyzed. After series of experiments, it was found that the blends subjected to high speed blending followed by ultrasonic bath stabilization improves the stability. The performance characteristics are studied using the stable fuel blends in a single cylinder four stroke Zinc oxide acts as an oxygen donating catalyst and provides oxygen for the oxidation of CO or absorbs oxygen for the reduction of NOx. The activation energy of Zinc oxide acts to burn off carbon deposits within the engine cylinder at the wall temperature and prevents the deposition of non-polar compounds on the cylinder wall results reduction in HC emissions. The tests revealed that Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be used as additive in diesel-biodiesel blend to improve complete combustion of the fuel and reduce the exhaust emissions significantly.