Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Natural Based Additives on Single-Cylinder Di Diesel Engine

In this experimental study, an attempt is made to enhance the performance characteristics of diesel fuel with two different natural additives (NA). Borassus Flabelifer (NB₁) and Oryza Sativa straws (NB₂) were chosen as natural additives. The selected natural additives were milled for 150 hours using a planetary ball mill and their particle sizes ranging from 120 to 125 nm. The milled natural additives were doped into neat diesel using a magnetic stirrer followed by ultrasonication and their stability was ascertained. The presence of high carbon and oxygen content was noted on EDS results of milled powder. The properties of fuel were analyzed as per ASTM standards and it was observed that there was a marginal decrease in calorific value, flash point, and fire point of the fuel. Performance analysis of the fuel was carried out in a diesel engine at different load conditions and it was observed that brake thermal efficiency reduced by 1.73 % and 1.24 % for NB₁ and NB₂ doped diesel respectively. CO and HC emissions were reduced by 15.42% and 17.09% for NB₁-based fuel and by 8% and 12.67 % for NB₂-based fuel, respectively. A reduction in CO and HC emissions was observed due to the availability of excess oxygen present in the natural-based fuel. High NOx was observed as 11.49 % and 8.72 % for NB₁ and NB₂ based fuel respectively. Hence, it is concluded that natural-based additives shows better reduction in emissions in IC engines.