Parametric optimization of a VCR diesel engine run on diesel-bioethanol-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles blend using Taguchi-Grey and RSM method: a comparative study

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to verify and establish the result of the most suitable optimization approach for higher performance and lower emission of a variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine. In this study, three types of test fuels are taken and tested in a variable compression ratio diesel engine (compression ignition). The fuels used are conventional diesel fuel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al₂O₃). The effect of bioethanol and nano-particles on performance, emission and cost-effectiveness is investigated at different load and compression ratios (CRs). The optimum performance and lower emission of the engine are evaluated and compared with other optimization methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The test engine is run by diesel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al₂O₃) in three different loadings (4 kg, 8 kg and 12 kg) and CR of 14, 16 and 18, respectively. The optimum value of energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, NO_X emission and relative cost variation are determined against the input parameters using Taguchi-Grey method and confirmed by response surface methodology (RSM) technique.

Findings

Using Taguchi-Grey method, the maximum energy and exergy efficiency, minimum % relative cost variation and NO_X emission are 24.64%, 59.52%, 0 and 184 ppm, respectively, at 4 kg load, 18 CR and fuel type of nano-fuel. Using RSM technique, maximum energy and exergy efficiency are 24.8% and 62.9%, and minimum NO_X emission and % cost variation are 208.4 ppm and –6.5, respectively, at 5.2 kg load, 18 CR and nano-fuel. The RSM is suggested as the most appropriate technique for obtaining maximum energy and exergy efficiency, and minimum % relative cost; however, for lowest possible NO_X emission, the Taguchi-Grey method is the most appropriate.

Originality/value

Waste rice straw is used to produce bioethanol. 4-E analysis, i.e. energy, exergy, emission and economic analysis, has been carried out, optimized and compared.

Citation

Mohapatra, T. and Mishra, S.S. (2023), "Parametric optimization of a VCR diesel engine run on diesel-bioethanol-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles blend using Taguchi-Grey and RSM method: a comparative study", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-01-2023-0002