Experimental Investigation to Mitigate Environmental Pollutants by using Emulsified Biodiesel

Abstract

This experimental study explores the potential of emulsified biodiesel blends, comprising 20% palmyra methyl ester and 80% diesel (B20), in reducing environmental pollutants in a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine. The blends were emulsified using Span80 and Tween 80 as surfactants, with 5%, 10% and 15% water content. The emulsification process, employing a Mech method, yielded blends labelled B20W5 (90% B20, 5% water, 5% surfactant), B20W10 (85% B20, 10% water, 5% surfactant) and B20W15 (80% B20, 15% water, 5% surfactant). The study focuses on evaluating the engine's performance, emissions and combustion characteristics under various engine loads, from no load to full load conditions. Results indicate that although emulsified biodiesel blends exhibited lower Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) than diesel, B20W10 showed the highest BTE, approximately 4% higher than B20W15. Additionally, there was a substantial reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions with increasing water content, with B20W15 demonstrating a 30.61% reduction compared to neat diesel operation. These findings suggest that emulsified biodiesel blends, especially B20W10 and B20W15, could serve as sustainable alternatives to diesel fuel, with reduced environmental impact in terms of NOX emissions.