Optimization of performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine powered with Azolla pinnata fuel blends - A response surface methodology approach

Biodiesels possess enhanced emission characteristics in comparison with neat diesel; therefore, biodiesel can be considered as a substitute for diesel and if blended with diesel, gives enhanced performance characteristics. In this study, tests on the performance of engine were carried out at a different number of nozzle holes (HN), the weight percentage of blends, and loads with the main focus to identify the optimal process parameter which minimizes Brake Specific Energy Consumption (BSEC), maximize Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), and minimize emission parameters like smoke, Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbon (HC), and Nitrogen oxides (NOx). The design of the experiment was based on the RSM Design of experiments. Using the RSM desirability function, process parameters are optimized for better performance. The influence of process parameters on responses is investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Blending ratio has the maximum percentage contribution of 47.64% and 61.04% for BSEC and NOx, the load has the maximum percentage contribution of 39.69% and 65.12% for BTE and smoke, respectively, HN has a maximum percentage contribution of 80.6% and 56.41% for CO and HC, respectively. The optimal parameters of six holes in the fuel injector, 20% of biofuel with 80% of diesel, and 65% of load are identified.