Experimental Investigation on Effective Utilization of Waste Cooking Oil in a Variable Compression Ratio Engine

Abstract

Energy is a critical input for socio-economic development. The energy newlinestrategy of a country aims at efficiency, security, providing access which is newlineenvironmentally friendly and achieving an optimum mix of primary resources newlinefor energy generation. The energy produced from the waste, could be an area newlineof useful research work. In this research work, Neat form of waste cooking newlineoil (WCO) fuel was used in a compression ignition (C.I) engine. Sunflower newlineoils were prepared in bulk for the entire research work. A single cylinder, newlinewater cooled, agricultural type, direct injection C.I engine developing power newlineoutput of 3.54 kW at 1500 rpm was used throughout the research work. newlineDuring the first phase of work, experiments were conducted at rated speed newlineunder different loadings using neat diesel (ND) and the neat WCO fuels. newlinePerformance, emission and combustion characteristics were obtained for ND newlineand NWCO at variable compression ratios such as 16:1, 17:1, 17.5:1 and 18:1 newlinefor providing baseline data. In the second phase of the research, fuel modification was carried out. newlineEmulsified form of WCO fuel was used under different loading conditions newlinewith variable compression ratios. During the third phase, the Nano additives newlinewere blended into the emulsified form of WCO fuel such as 15ppm, 25 ppm, newline35ppm and 50ppm with variable Compression ratios at different engine loads. newlineIn the fourth phase, engine modification was done in the intake manifold, and dual fuel mode of operation was changed. High octane number of ethanol fuel newlineused as a primary fuel and neat WCO used pilot fuel with the compression newlineratio of 18 at different loading conditions. Neat WCO reduced the Brake Thermal efficiency and cylinder pressure and newlineincreased the carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, smoke emissions for newlineall power outputs with the variable compression ratios. The maximum BTE newlineof the WCO was found at 15 %, 16 %, 17 % and 18 %. The in-cylinder newlinepressure of WCO was found to 33, 41, 44 and 50 bar respectively. The smoke newlineemission was 85 %, 80 %, 65 % and 60 %.