Effects of diesel-biodiesel fuel blends doped with zinc oxide nanoparticles on performance and combustion attributes of a diesel engine

To improve the fuel properties and enhance the overall characteristics of a diesel engine, the current work assesses the performance and combustion attributes of a diesel engine fueled by different blends of diesel, second generation biodiesel, and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The biodiesel was prepared using the transesterification of waste cooking vegetable oil. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were dispersed in diesel and biodiesel fuel blends at one dosage level of 50 ppm using ultrasonication process to prevent their agglomeration in the base liquid. The experiments were performed at different engine speeds (1700, 2000, 2300, 2600, 2900) RPM and full load operating conditions. The experimental results revealed that the addition of ZnO compensated for the poor combustion characteristic of biodiesel and hence promoted diesel engine performance and combustion attributes. The engine torque improved by 6.74, 4.9 and 3.69% while the BSFC reduced by 5.6, 6.44 and 2.5% for B0ZnO, B20ZnO and B40ZnO fuel blends compared to B0, B20 and B40 respectively at 2300 RPM. In addition, the engine heat release rate, ignition delay period and in-cylinder pressure were promoted. ZnO nanoparticles additives could be an effective approach for improving the combustion and performance characteristics in diesel engine applications.