An Empirical Investigation into the Comprehensive Efficiency and Emission Features of a Four-Stroke WCD-Rig Hydraulic Dynamometer Engine Utilizing a Blend of Octanol and Diesel Fuel

Abstract

Growing concerns surrounding the exhaustion of non-renewable energy reservoirs and the ecological repercussions of engine exhaust discharges have ignited a quest for alternative fuels within the automotive industry. Alcohol-based fuels have surfaced as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels, particularly in water-cooled Diesel (WCD) engines. In the context of this empirical inquiry, a single-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine was propelled by various blends of diesel and alcohol (10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% by volume). The incorporation of alcohol into the diesel blend yields a lighter fuel, contributing to improved combustion quality and a reduction in carbon emissions. The experimental arrangement integrates indispensable instruments such as a smoke meter and an emission analyzer to quantify opacity and collect exhaust gas data. The adoption of alcohol blends exhibits a significant reduction in nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbon emissions. Blends of octanol and diesel manifest lower in-cylinder pressure, pressure rise rate, and heat release rate. Furthermore, an increase in the compression ratio is identified as a factor that enhances combustion characteristics. The outcomes of this investigation offer valuable insights into the potential benefits of alcohol-diesel blends, underscoring their capacity to enhance combustion efficiency and mitigate the environmental impact of water-cooled Diesel engines.