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Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Abstract

This study explores the effects of ethanol blending on the performance and emissions of a compression ignition (CI) engine using both diesel and biodiesel as base fuels. Motivated by increasing environmental concerns regarding pollutant emissions from conventional diesel engines, ethanol was introduced as an oxygenated additive to improve combustion characteristics and reduce the formation of harmful exhaust emissions. Ethanol’s high oxygen content promotes more complete combustion, potentially lowering carbon-based emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and unburned hydrocarbons. In this study, performance and emission parameters were simulated using Diesel-RK software at various engine speeds of 1500, 2000, and 2200 rpm, with ethanol blending ratios of 10%, 20%, 35%, and 50%. The simulations measured specific fuel consumption (SFC), brake mean effective pressure (BMEP), Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of fuel droplets, and emissions including carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), PM, and smoke opacity. The results indicated that a 35% ethanol blend delivered the most favorable balance between performance enhancement and emission reduction. Notably, SFC was reduced by up to 5.42% and 4.81% at 1500 and 2200 rpm, respectively. Furthermore, CO₂ emissions dropped significantly, by 9.23% and 9.11% at 2000 and 2200 rpm for biodiesel-ethanol blends. Additionally, PM and smoke showed substantial decreases. These findings suggest that ethanol blends in the range of 20% to 35% are optimal for enhancing the sustainability and environmental compatibility of CI engines by reducing emissions while maintaining engine performance.

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