Experimental Investigation on the Performance Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Fuelled with Linseed Oil Methyl Ester Blends with TiO2 Nanofluid as a Coolant

At present, prices of oil are increasing day-by-day and due to greenhouse effect, the methyl ester fuels were exploited as alternative fuels. The purpose of the present work is the conversion of raw linseed oil into corresponding methyl ester through transesterification procedure. For a diesel engine, adequate coolant is needed for enhancing the engine efficiency. Furthermore, in this study, TiO2 (Titanium Oxide) nano-fluid is used as a coolant to remove an excess amount of heat from the engine and improves engine efficiency. The purpose of the present exploration is to evaluate performance characteristics of linseed oil and methyl ester of linseed oil blends with TiO2 nanofluid as a coolant at different loads. A single cylinder, diesel engine with DC generator has been chosen for the exploration. Engine tests have been carried out to acquire comparison of brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, indicated thermal efficiency, mechanical efficiency and volumetric efficiency and then contrasted with diesel. Experimental evaluation showed that the methyl ester of linseed oil blends with TiO2 nano-fluid as a coolant gives better performance compared to linseed oil blends.