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Optimization of biodiesel production from Azolla pinnata: investigation of CI engine characteristics using nano dosed biodiesel

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Abstract

In this study, Al2O3 nanoparticles were included in the Azolla pinnata methyl ester blend (AME30) in different concentrations (25 ppm, 50 ppm and 75 ppm) to analyze the effects on single-cylinder diesel engine. Box-Behnken design (BBD) based on RSM was used for production process optimization. The maximum biodiesel yield of 90.77 % attained at methanol-oil molar ratio (20:1), catalyst (3 wt%) and temperature (75 °C). The experiments were performed in a 3.75 kW Kirloskar diesel engine at a constant speed of 1500 rpm with Al2O3 dosed biodiesel blends (AME30+Al25, AME30+Al50 and AME30+Al75), and outcomes were compared with pure diesel and AME30 blend. The corresponding test fuel properties were examined with ASTM standards. As a result, the AME30+Al50 test fuel has improved BTE and reduced BSEC compared to other test fuels. Subsequently, the highest reduction of HC (24.4 %), CO (21.24 %) and smoke opacity (15.25 %) was observed for AME30+Al50 at full load condition compared to diesel results.

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Abbreviations

AME :

Azolla pinnata methyl ester

ANOVA :

Analysis of variance

ASTM :

American Society for Testing and Materials

BBD :

Box-Behnken design

BTE :

Brake thermal efficiency

BSEC :

Brake specific energy consumption

BSFC :

Brake specific fuel consumption

CI :

Compression ignition

CO :

Carbon monoxide

CO 2 :

Carbon dioxide

DAS :

Data acquisition system

FTIR :

Fourier-transform infrared

HC :

Hydrocarbon

HCCI :

Homogeneous charge compression ignition

KOH :

Potassium hydroxide

LTC :

Low temperature combustion

NOX :

Oxides of nitrogen

PPC :

Partially premixed combustion

RPM :

Rotation per minute

RSM :

Response surface methodology

SEM :

Scanning electron microscope

XRD :

X-ray diffraction

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Acknowledgments

Our genuine appreciation to SERB (SB/EMEQ-006/2014) — India for giving the fund to secure the VCR engine (PS234) for the exploration reason. Thanks to SASTRA Deemed to be University to permit to access the facility available in the School of Mechanical Engineering.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India

    S. Prabakaran & T. Mohanraj

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  1. S. Prabakaran
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  2. T. Mohanraj
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Prabakaran.

Additional information

Prabakaran S is a Research Assistant of the School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from SASTRA University, Thanjavur. His research interests include nano additives, alternate fuels.

E-mail ID: prabakaran@sastra.ac.in

Mohanraj T is a Post Senior Assistant Professor of the School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur. His research interests include IC engine, biofuels.

E-mail ID: tmraj@mech.sastra.edu

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Prabakaran, S., Mohanraj, T. Optimization of biodiesel production from Azolla pinnata: investigation of CI engine characteristics using nano dosed biodiesel. J Mech Sci Technol 35, 4765–4773 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-021-0942-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-021-0942-0

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