Work

Optimization of diesel engine performance and emissions using ternary blends of waste-derived fuels: An RSM approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The raising generation of waste plastics and waste cooking oil, along with the rising demand for sustainable energy, needs the growth of effective waste-to-energy solutions. This study investigates the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of ternary fuel blends comprising waste plastic oil (WPO), waste cooking oil biodiesel (WCOB), and diesel, enhanced with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in a compression ignition engine. The novelty of this work lies in the optimization of nanoparticle-assisted waste-derived ternary fuel blends under varying engine operating conditions using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was employed to optimize four key parameters: WCOB concentration (0–40%), Al₂O₃ nanoparticle concentration (0–100 ppm), compression ratio (16–20), and injection timing (17–25° bTDC). The developed models were used to evaluate brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption, combustion characteristics, and exhaust emissions. The optimized blend, B20WPO20D60NP50, demonstrated superior performance with a maximum BTE of 30.3% and reduced emissions of CO (0.058%), HC (26 ppm), NOx (406 ppm), and smoke opacity (31%). Statistical analysis confirmed the adequacy of the developed models, with R² values exceeding 95% for all responses. The findings indicate that up to 40% of conventional diesel can be replaced by waste-derived fuels without compromising engine performance. There is promising potential for using laboratory-scale methods to partially substitute petro-diesel and utilize waste for energy under optimized conditions in CI engines. However, more lifecycle and techno-economic evaluations are needed before large-scale implementation.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.111738

Authors: Amit Kumar, J Prabhakaran, Harveer Singh Pali, Rahul Goyal

Institutions: Vivekananda Global University, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Manipal University Jaipur

Language: English

Topic: Biodiesel Production and Applications

Subfield: Fuel Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940