Diesel engine performance and emission analysis using canola oil methyl ester with the nano sized zinc oxide particles

In this study, the performance, combustion and exhaust emission characteristics of single cylinder, four stroke, stationary, air-cooled and direct injection compression ignition engine have been investigated at the constant engine speed 1500 rpm under the full load when it is fueled with various blends such as 80% diesel + 20% canola oil methyl ester, 80% diesel + 20% canola oil methyl ester + 50ppm zinc oxide and 80% diesel + 20% canola oil methyl ester + 100ppm zinc oxide. And also the properties such as pour point, cloud point, flash point, kinematic viscosity, cetane number, sulphated ash and calorific value of above blends are determined and compared with American biodiesel standards (ASTM D7467). It is found that the addition of zinc oxide nanoparficles which accelerates early ignition of combustion shortens ignition delay and enhances NOx emissions.