The Green Energy Effect on an HCCI Engine from Used Cooking Oil-based Biodiesel from Malaysia

Abstract

Emissions from internal combustion engines (ICEs) significantly impact the environment, leading continents worldwide to work towards reducing them. The industry is increasingly leaning towards electric powertrains. However, power plants still utilize ICEs as generators, contributing to global pollution. Consequently, ICE emissions are garnering international attention. Alternatives like the Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine and biodiesel fuels are being explored. HCCI engines have not been extensively tested with Used Cooking Oil (UCO) biodiesel. This study investigates the performance and emissions of HCCI engines using UCO-based biodiesel. This study tested an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine operating at 3600 rpm with a displacement of 0.219 liters. The HCCI mode was activated during preheating and run at 2700 rpm under varying biodiesel blend percentages and intake temperatures. In HCCI mode, brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased, peaking at a 90°C intake temperature. Diesel fuel in-cylinder pressure reached a maximum of 81 bars at 90°C, decreasing to 79 bars at 70°C. The HCCI mode resulted in lower NOx, CO, and UHC emissions. Higher biodiesel blend ratios further reduced CO emissions. Raising the intake air temperature to 90°C lowered NOx emissions by 96.66%, from 150 ppm to 5 ppm. Using green energy sources as fuel in HCCI engines significantly reduced emissions in this study, suggesting their potential as a future fuel for advanced engines.