This study’s objective is to examine the combustion and performance of mosambi
waste peel biodiesel (MWPB) combined with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
nanoparticles as a substitute fuel for diesel engines. It also aims to assess
the impact of this blend on engine combustion, such as in-cylinder pressure,
heat release rate (HRR), ignition delay (ID), combustion duration (CD) and mass
fraction burnt (MFB) and performance indicators, including brake thermal
efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), engine torque,
exhaust gas temperature (EGT), indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP),
air-fuel ratio (A/F ratio) and volumetric efficiency, while also considering the
feasibility of employing waste materials in fuel generation. The experimental
configuration utilized a research diesel engine functioning under standard
conditions, emphasizing the maintenance of uniform injection pressure to ensure
optimal fuel atomization and combustion. The test fuels are diesel, MWPB,
MWPB+10 μm BHT 10 ppm and MWPB+20 μm BHT 10 ppm mixtures were utilized, and
essential performance metrics were assessed. The results showed that
incorporating BHT nanoparticles enhances the combustion properties of the MWPB
mixes. The in-cylinder pressure increased in MWPB, and HRR increased in MWPB+20
μm BHT 10 ppm blend compared to diesel, but the diesel fuel has a higher ID, CD
and MFB than other test fuels. Also, findings indicate an increase in BTE and a
reduction in BSEC relative to pure diesel fuel. Furthermore, diesel fuel has
higher engine torque, IMEP, A/F ratio and volumetric efficiency than other test
fuels, but MWPB has higher EGT than diesel. The research suggests that biodiesel
derived from mosambi peel, combined with BHT nanoparticles, is a feasible
alternative to traditional diesel fuel, providing improved combustion efficiency
and decreased energy usage. This study underscores the potential of agricultural
waste for biodiesel generation. It enlightens the significant role of additives
such as BHT in enhancing fuel performance and sustainability in diesel
engines.