The Impact of Blends and Comparison of Diesel, Ethanol and Microalgae on the Performance, Combustion, and Emissions of a CRDI Engine.

Abstract

To assess the impact of hybrid fuels containing microalgae, ethanol and diesel blends on combustion, performance, and emissions, experiments were conducted using a single-cylinder, four-stroke, naturally aspirated diesel engine. This engine, which was water-cooled and featured direct injection, simulated various load conditions using thermodynamic engine simulation software. The findings indicate that hybrid fuel blends with ethanol exhibit higher engine brake torque (EBT) and lower exhaust gas temperatures compared to the base fuel. Microalgae based hybrid fuels contribute to increased cylinder pressure. Moreover, hybrid fuel blends prolong the ignition delay period and combustion duration. Notably, the addition of spirulina microalgae reduces the ignition delay period in microalgae-diesel blend fuel. Regarding emissions, spirulina microalgae emulsions decrease specific particulate matter (PM), soot, and smoke emissions, except for nitrogen oxides (NO_X), while carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are higher relative to the base fuel.