Exploring the potential of nano-enhanced lemongrass biodiesel blends with hydrogen premixing for improved CI engine...

Using fossil fuels in compression ignition (CI) engines is still a challenge today due to concerns over environmental pollution and the long-term sustainability of fuel sources. Addressing these difficulties necessitates the development of alternate fuel methods that can boost engine performance while simultaneously lowering emissions. The current study focusses on employing a 20% blend of lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) biodiesel and diesel supplemented with MWCNTs at 40 ppm (also known as "nano fuel of Lemongrass oil") and investigating the usage of this mixture in an unmodified CI engine. To improve the performance of the nano-fuel, 5LPM hydrogen was premixed through intake manifold. This led to significantly better combustion, thanks to improved mixing inside the cylinder and quicker flame spread. Notably, adding 5 LPM hydrogen to the nano additive biodiesel made from lemongrass biodiesel resulted in a 12.6% boost in brake thermal efficiency. When compared to the LG20 blend operation, these studies revealed a 15.34% reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), a 19.6% decrease in carbon monoxide (CO) pollutants, a 5.35% decrease in unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) pollutants, and an 8.33% reduction in smoke opacity. As a result, we propose further research into hydrogen premixing in conjunction with nano-enhanced Lemongrass biodiesel to increase CI engine performance. It has been noticed that LG20 + MC + H2 fuel increases BTE by 12.6% and reduces BSFC by 15.33% when compared to LG20 fuel. These findings demonstrate the synergistic effect of hydrogen premixing and nanoparticle-enriched biodiesel in increasing CI engine performance and lowering emissions, indicating a possible path towards cleaner and more efficient engine operation.