OPTIMIZATION OF PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF IC ENGINE POWERED BY BLENDED KARANJA BIODIESELS WITH DISTINCT INJECTORS USING TAGUCHI-BASED HYBRID APPROACHES

Abstract

Performance characteristics and emissions parameters of a Kirloskar diesel engine having single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) with direct injection (DI), water-cooled, running at 1500 rpm with variable load were tested in the blending percentage of Karanja methyl esters (KME) B10, B20, and B30 with diesel, the biodiesel made from Karanja oil along with pure diesel. An experimental Taguchi L16 matrix is prepared for the analysis of performance, combustion, and emissions characteristics of the engine mentioned above with 3-hole, 4-hole, 5-hole, and 6-hole injection systems. Two hybrid methods are used for the optimization of engine parameters first one is the combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Utility method and the other one is the combination of Criteria Importance through Criteria Inter-Correlation (CRITIC) and Utility method. The optimal factor level for higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and lower brake-specific fuel consumption and, lower engine emission in blending conditions is achieved having a fuel injector with a 6-hole nozzle in combination with a B20 blending condition at 60% loading condition. This optimal level condition provides higher BTE, lower SFC, and lower engine emissions compare to other conditions.