Combustion Characteristics of Biodiesel-Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticle-Powered Marine Diesel Engines

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJME Journal

Volume 12 Issue 11

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Che Wan Mohd Noor, Sheikh Alif Ali, Mohd Azlan Musa

10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I11P103

How to Cite?

Che Wan Mohd Noor, Sheikh Alif Ali, Mohd Azlan Musa, "Combustion Characteristics of Biodiesel-Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticle-Powered Marine Diesel Engines," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 11, pp. 23-32, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I11P103

Abstract:

Globally, marine diesel engines are the primary source of propulsion for the shipping sector. The maritime industry's growing operations have made a substantial contribution to air pollution emissions. As a result, international environmental standards are becoming increasingly stringent. This study examined the combustion characteristics of B20 palm biodiesel blends that were supplemented with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles at 50, 100, and 150 parts per million (namely B20AL50, B20AL100, and B20AL150, respectively). A 14-liter, four-stroke, six-cylinder Cummins NT855 marine diesel engine was used for the experiments. To assess performance in common marine operation scenarios, the tests were carried out with the engine running at a constant speed of 1400 rpm under three distinct engine loading conditions: low, medium, and high loads. Engine parameters such as Cylinder pressure, heat release rate, mass fraction burned, and ignition delay characteristics were measured as part of a combustion analysis using a fibre optic pressure transducer system. Adding Al2O3 nanoparticles at all concentrations significantly improved combustion, as indicated by the data. When compared to the B20 baseline fuel, B20AL150 fuel produced a 15.1% rise in cylinder pressure, a 53.9% increase in heat release rate, and a 53.3% decrease in ignition latency under heavy load conditions. Under low load conditions, however, B20AL150 demonstrated a 33.3% decrease in ignition delay and a 5.4% increase in pressure. With increasing nanoparticle concentration, performance benefits become more pronounced, and at high load circumstances, the nanoparticles demonstrated optimal effectiveness in comparison to low load. Al2O3 nanoparticle-enhanced palm biodiesel has a great deal of promise to increase marine diesel engines' combustion efficiency. This provides a viable approach to reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency in line with maritime decarbonization objectives.

Keywords:

Cylinder Pressure, Heat Release Rate, Biodiesel Combustion, Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticles, Marine Diesel Engines, and Sustainable Marine Fuel.

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