An experimental investigation on a CI engine with magnesium- doped zinc oxide nano-additives in fish oil biodiesel blends

Increases in fossil fuel consumption and the effect of engine emissions on the environment lead researchers to work on alternate methods to control this situation. This present work focuses on evaluating the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of fish oil (FO)-diesel blends in a mono-cylinder compression ignition engine with Magnesium (Mg)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles added at a concentration of 25 ppm, 50 ppm, and 75 ppm. The results were compared with conventional compression ignition engines with diesel for varying loads at a constant speed of 1500 RPM. An investigation revealed that adding Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles to FO-diesel blends enhanced the performance and combustion characteristics of CI engines because of the higher surface-to-volume ratio and thermal conductivity of the nano-additives. In addition, Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles improved brake thermal efficiency (BTE) for biodiesel-diesel blends and lowered brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 2.8% and 14%, respectively, for a B30 Mg-ZnO 75 ppm fuel blend than B100 at full load condition. On the other hand, emissions such as HC, CO, and smoke were reduced by 29%, 31%, and 23%, respectively, for the B30 Mg-ZnO 75 ppm fuel blend at full load condition. Overall, the B30 Mg-ZnO 75 ppm fuel blend was best compared with other blends for improved combustion, performance, and lower exhaust emissions.