Abstract:
The present study investigates the effect of small-sized aluminum oxide nanoparticle concentration and engine
load on the emissions and performance parameters of a single-cylinder diesel engine connected to an AC
generator. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was employed to
simulate the design of the experiment. The ultrasonication-assisted preparation method has been used to mix the
diesel (D) with two different concentrations of aluminum oxide, namely 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The tested fuels
are called D, (D + 50AL2O3), and (D + 100AL2O3) accordingly. The tests were carried out at various engine loads
of 0.9, 1.8, and 2.7 kW at a rated speed of 3000 rpm without engine modification. The evaluated characteristics
were nitrogen oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), brake-specific fuel
consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT). According to the
analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, the experimental outputs were found to be in good agreement with that of
the predicted. Furthermore, the results revealed that the tested fuel D + 50Al2O3 favorably reduced the harmful
emissions at all loads investigated. For instance, NOx, HC, and CO emissions decreased by 32.28%, 21.74%, and
20%, respectively. In addition, the BTE improved by 4.91% at 2.7 kW compared to pure diesel. The afore-
mentioned potential results revealed that aluminum oxide nanoparticles could effectively reduce emissions pa-
rameters and enhance engine performance. Furthermore, the small nanoparticle size of 11 nm and low
concentration of only 50 ppm (mixed with diesel) revealed positive technical, environmental, and economic
perspectives on the applicability of the proposed nanofuel.
