Journal Published Online: 03 July 2018
Volume 47, Issue 1

Experimental Investigation on Lemongrass Oil Water Emulsion in Low Heat Rejection Direct Ignition Diesel Engine

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

This article discusses the experimental investigation of a new biofuel (lemongrass oil) feedstock as an alternative fuel. The subject has not drawn much attention among the fraternity of researchers. So far, an exploration for a new biofuel feedstock has resulted in demonstrating lemongrass oil (LGO) as an alternative energy source. Nickel-chromium-zirconium coating on piston, inlet, and exhaust valves is achieved using a plasma spray method. The coated engine has been tested with a constant level of neat diesel and varying proportions of 5, 10, and 15 percent of LGO–water emulsion; its properties have been analyzed per the ASTM standards. The considered test fuel was experimentally investigated in a single cylinder diesel engine at 1,500 rpm for its performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. Among the different mixtures, a fuel mixture of LGWM1 (LGO of 94 %, water of 5 %, span 80 of 0.5 %, and tween 80 of 0.5 %) profile had similar properties to diesel fuel, resulting in a higher thermal efficiency and a lower hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide emission. However, oxides of nitrogen and carbon dioxide emission were comparatively higher for the test fuel considered. The cylinder pressure and heat release rate curves show a slight increase at the full load condition as compared with diesel fuel. Against the background of continuous fossil fuel depletion, the fuel blend of LGWM1 (LGO of 94 %, water of 5 %, span 80 of 0.5 % and tween 80 of 0.5 %) acts as a promising alternative fuel for further research work.

Author Information

Perumal Venkatesan, Elumalai
Department of Automobile Engineering, Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Kandhasamy, Annamalai
Department of Automobile Engineering, Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Subramani, Lingesan
Department of Automobile Engineering, Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Sivalingam, Arularasu
Department of Automobile Engineering, Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Senthil Kumar, Appuraja
Department of Automobile Engineering, Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Pages: 18
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE20170357
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20170357