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Performance and emission multi-objective optimization of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticle-enhanced E10 bioethanol-gasoline
Ramtin Elkaei Behjati1, Moein Navvab Kashani2, Fathollah Ommi3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran. ramtin.elkaei@modares.ac.ir.
None:
Driven by the transition toward green energy, bioethanol is a primary substitute for fossil fuels in spark-ignition engines; however, its high latent heat of vaporization limits thermal efficiency. This study presents an initial investigation into the catalytic and thermophysical effects of ultra‑low concentrations (10-30 ppm) of γ‑Al2O3 nanoparticles on the combustion of a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline (E10), using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). These specific dosages were selected to leverage the particles' thermal bridge effect and high surface acidity while minimizing knock and agglomeration risks. The dispersed nanoparticles enhanced fuel atomization and mitigated ethanol's cooling effect via micro-explosions and hydrocarbon oxidation. Engine testing demonstrated that 20 ppm γ-Al2O3 increased Brake Torque (BT) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) by 7.67% and 3.02%, respectively, compared to the E10 baseline. Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) decreased by 5.95% at 3000 rpm. The 10 ppm concentration maximized emission reductions at 3000 rpm, decreasing CO and HC by 14.88% and 6.57%, respectively. Conversely, elevated cylinder temperatures at 20 ppm increased NOx emissions by 17.08% via the Zeldovich mechanism. Multi-objective optimization identified a global optimum operating point at 2471.87 rpm and 5.88 ppm. At high engine speeds, the nanoparticles stabilized operation by altering heat release dynamics. These findings establish a practical approach for developing optimized, eco-friendly fuel blends.
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