Performance and Emission characteristics of a CI Engine fuelled with diesel and TiO2 nanoparticles as fuel additive

In this study Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used as fuel additive in a compressed ignition engine. Concentration of nanoparticles to be added for a stable dispersion is optimized experimentally. Density, fire point, viscosity, and calorific value of nanoparticle dispersion in diesel are experimentally determined. It is seen that properties of conventional diesel improve with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. Engine performance and emission tests for diesel fuel and diesel fuel with TiO2 nanoparticles were performed. It is observed that with the addition of nanoparticles there is an increase in brake thermal efficiency of the engine. Brake specific fuel consumption decreases by 22% at maximum load with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. Among emissions, addition of TiO2 nanoparticles decreases emissions of unburnt hydrocarbons by 18% and carbon monoxide by 25%. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.