Multi Response Optimization of NO x Emission of a Stationary Diesel Engine Fuelled with Crude Rice Bran Oil Methyl Ester

Abstract

Multi Response Optimization of NO x Emission of a Stationary Diesel Engine Fuelled with Crude Rice Bran Oil Methyl Ester - In the present work, an attempt was made to reduce the NO x emission of crude rice bran oil methyl ester without any considerable increase in smoke density, when used as a fuel in a stationary CI engine. Three factors namely, fuel injection timing, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and fuel injection pressure were chosen and their combined effect in controlling the NO x emission of a stationary Diesel engine fuelled with crude rice bran oil methyl ester was investigated. Three levels were chosen in each factor and NO x emission, smoke density and brake thermal efficiency were taken as the response variables. Experiments were designed by employing design of experiments method and Taguchi's L 9 orthogonal array was used to conduct the engine tests with different levels of the chosen factors. Multi Response Signal-to-Noise ratio (MRSN) was calculated for the response variables and the optimum combination level of factors was obtained simultaneously using Taguchi's parametric design. Confirmation experiment was conducted for the obtained optimum combination level of factors and the results were compared with normal operating conditions and significant improvement was observed in the response variables. © 2012, IFP Energies nouvelles.