Experimental investigation of the effects of N-Octanol addition on emission parameters of biodiesel synthesized from safflowers seed oil

Abstract

The rapid increase in global warming, limited availability of fossil fuel reserves, and their non-renewable nature have heightened interest in alternative biofuels. Alternative fuels such as biodiesel, vegetable oils and bio alcohols derived from other biomass sources play an important role in fossil fuel substitution. Moreover, oxygenated compounds such as ethers, alcohols, and esters enhance the complete combustion of fuels, increasing efficiency. Due to their high octane/cetane values and desired properties, they stand out as suitable additive fuels. Since these biofuels belong to the aliphatic alcohol class, they do not contain aromatic compounds (benzene and its derivatives). This offers potential additional advantages in reducing emissions of soot, particulate matter, and toxic substances, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). By making various modifications to internal combustion engines, the emissions released into the atmosphere from compression-ignition engines can be reduced to a minimum level. However, these modifications may involve technical and economic challenges. However, the use of diesel fuel (DF), biodiesel (B100), and light or heavy alcohol blends can help engines emit fewer pollutants. The preference for these alternative fuels holds the potential to reduce environmental impacts and offer a sustainable solution. In this study, the effects of DF, B100 synthesized from safflower seed oil, and n-octanol blends on emissions have been investigated. Emission values obtained for DF, B100, 50%/50% volume ratio diesel/biodiesel (DF50B50), 50%/50% volume ratio diesel/n-octanol (D50OC50), 50%/25%/25% volume ratio diesel/biodiesel/n-octanol (DF50B25OC25), Emission values of 50%/35%/15% diesel/biodiesel/n-octanol (DF50B35OC15) and 50%/45%/5% diesel/biodiesel/n-octanol (DF50B45OC5) blends were compared. Among these blends, DF50B50, DF50OC50, DF50B25OC25, DF50B35OC15, and DF50B45OC5 fuels reduced the smoke opacity (SO) by 80.17% and 85.12%, 61.16%, 23.97%, and 21.49% compared to DF, respectively, at maximum load. Under the same load conditions, DF50B50, DF50OC50, DF50B25OC25, DF50B35OC15 and DF50B45OC5 fuels reduced nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 19.18%, 1.89% and 18.87%, increased them by 22.01% and reduced them by 5.97% respectively compared to DF. DF50B50, DF50OC50, DF50B25OC25, DF50B35OC15 and DF50B45OC5 fuels reduced CO emissions by 23.08%, increased 6.15%, decreased 17.69%, increased by 12.31% and decreased by 9.23%, respectively, under the same load conditions.