Influence of Nano Fluids on CI Engine Fuelled with Waste Cooking Oil - A Comprehensive Assessment

Abstract

The increasing need for environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources has sparked a lot of interest in biodiesel made from Waste Cooking Oil (WCO). WCO biodiesel (WCOB) is a viable option for waste management and the production of renewable energy, but problems with incomplete combustion, increased viscosity and lower calorific value make it difficult to use in compression ignition (CI) engines. A viable approach to improving WCOB performance and emissions profile is the addition of nano fluids distributed throughout the biodiesel. This study investigates the emissions, combustion and performance of CI engines running on WCOB that has been boosted by nano fluids. Copper oxide, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nano fluids were mixed with WCOB at the ideal concentrations. These nano fluids improve fuel characteristics like thermal conductivity, cetane number and oxidation stability by acting as thermal enhancers and combustion catalysts. Significant increases in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and decreases in dangerous emissions, such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (UBHC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX), are shown by experimental evaluations. By lowering the production of soot and particulate matter, the inclusion of nanoparticles also encourages cleaner combustion. According to the results, WCOB combined with nano fluids can be a useful substitute fuel for CI engines, combining waste valorisation with improved engine efficiency and a less environmental effect.