Optimization of Performance and Emission Characteristics of Biodiesel from Non-Edible Raphanus sativus Oil with Nano-Additive

The need for alternative renewable fuels for conventional fossil fuels is to neutralize the increases in energy demand and decrease serious emissions. Vegetable oil-based biodiesel is a promising replacement and alternative. This study produces biodiesel from a low-cost and unexplored feedstock, Raphanus sativus (R. sativus) oil. The biodiesel produced from this source is subjected to engine performance and emission characteristics. A nano-additive (nano-Al2O3) is used in this study to enhance the performance and reduces the emission while using biodiesel. The parameters affecting the characteristics are fuel blend ratio, additive dosage, load conditions and fuel inlet conditions, which are optimized using the Taguchi statistical method and analysis of variance table. From the main effect plot of signal to noise ratio, it is clear that the biodiesel blend ratio of B20 along with 60 ppm nano-Al2O3, injection timing of 27 degrees before top dead center and 220 bar pressure gives greater brake thermal efficiency with decreased brake specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature on preferred full load condition. Whereas for reduced emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and HC, it requires B20 along with 60 ppm nano-Al2O3, 23 degrees before top dead center injection timing and 180 bar pressure.