Optimization of engine parameters using NSGA II for the comprehensive reduction of emissions from VCR engine fuelled with ROME biodiesel

Diesel engines are most widely used as power plant for many applications, like automotive, agricultural purposes, portable machines and remote location power generation, because of their higher torque, power output, energy content per unit mass and cost of fuel. Because of the higher compression ratios, the diesel engines are able to produce greater cylinder pressures resulting in higher temperatures and thermal efficiency. On other hand, the diesel engines produce COx, NOx, Soot and sulphur emissions which are harmful and these pollute the environment leading to acid rain, global warming and variety of human diseases. Also, the present emission regulations are framed such a way to ensure the environmental sustainability in addition to the economic and social importance. These constraints make the researchers find an alternate fuel for replacing the diesel fuel on the existing diesel engines for the reduction of environmental pollutions. Biodiesel is found to be a very good alternative fuel obtained from natural resources and having good energy with least possible emissions. Rubber seed methyl ester (ROME) is one kind of the biofuel can be used in the existing diesel without any engine modifications. The ROME is produced using trans esterification process and the biodiesel blends are prepared in the sequence of B20, B40, B60 and B80. The ROME is tested on the Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) engine to test the emission characteristic in line with the performance characteristics. To reduce the emissions, the prediction models are developed for CO and NOx using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The models are verified through the ANOVA and p-test for their adequacy to create the hypothesis of the experimentation. The NSGA II evolutionary multi-objective optimization is used to optimise the engine parameters to minimise the pollutions from the ROME fuelled engine. The optimized parameters are tested and verified experimentally for the least possible emissions.

Automated summary

Diesel engines are widely used due to their higher torque, power output, energy content per unit mass and cost of fuel, but they also produce harmful emissions. Researchers are exploring alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, to reduce environmental pollution. Rubber seed methyl ester (ROME) is a biofuel that can be used in existing diesel engines without any modifications.