Effect of Metallic Nano-Additives on Combustion Performance and Emissions of DI CI Engine Fuelled with Palmkernel Methyl Ester

Compression ignition engines are widely used due to their lower energy consumption and enhanced combustion efficiency. In this experimental investigation, the feasibility of fuelling a single cylinder 4 stroke direct injection compression ignition engine with methyl esters of palmkernel (PME) oil along with various fractions of aluminium oxide nano particles (ANOP) were analysed. Two stage transesterification process was adopted to prepare PME. PME20 blend was formulated and fused using high speed homogenizer with varying proportions of AONP as 25 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm in the presence of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as surfactant. The experimental investigations were conducted at rated power of 3.5kW at 1500rpm. It was noticed that supplementation of AONP affected the ignition delay significantly favouring enhanced combustion efficiency. The rate of heat release and in-cylinder pressure was substantially increased with notable reduction in ignition delay. Addition of AONP showed an increase in brake thermal efficiency and exhaust gas temperature with diminution in brake specific energy consumption. The unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and smoke density decreased sharply with an upsurge in NOx. Increase in AONP concentration up-to 100 ppm with PME20 was found to give better combustion and performance characteristics.