Experimental Investigation on CO ₂ Reduction in Exhaust Gases of CI Engine Fuelled with Blend of Cotton Seed Oil Methyl Ester and Diesel

Global warming and climate change problems resulting from the greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂₎, have paved the way for the need of research in minimizing the accumulation of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Though various CO₂ capture technologies have been proposed for post combustion processes, Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) by the absorbent is a simple and better method for CO₂ emission reduction. In the present study experimental investigation has been carried out in a single cylinder, 4-stroke, computerized water-cooled, diesel engine of 5.2 kW rated power, fuelled with diesel, a blend of 20% methyl ester of cotton seed oil and 80% diesel (B20) with and without integration of CCS using wooden charcoal and activated carbon to absorb CO₂ from the exhaust gas. The analysis includes the performance and emission characteristics of the engine and the carbon capture potential of CCS. The results revealed a 19% reduction in CO₂ emission with charcoal and 32% reduction with activated carbon in case of B20 fuel with CCS in comparison with B20 without CCS. However, a small reduction to the tune of 2.35% in brake thermal efficiency has been noted for the CCS integrated engine, owing to the development of back pressure.