Experimental and RSM-based Analysis of Hydrogen-enriched Microalgae Biodiesel Combustion in a CI Engine
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 4 (December 2025) pp. 165-175
Abstract
The study examined the efficiency and exhaust features of a compression ignition (CI) engine powered by a blends of biodiesel and diesel enriched with H2 at distinct engine speeds, blending rates and hydrogen flow rates. For the experimental tests, a mono-cylinder water-cooled Kirloskar CI engine with a nominal power of 8.5 kW was used to measure brake power, brake specific consumption and torque, and emissions, including NOx, CO2, and CO. The biodiesel blends (SDMB 10 and SDMB 20) have been optimised by a response surface methodology with central compositing to maximise braking power and minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The hydrogen supplementation has significantly improved the combustion characteristics, increased braking power and torque while reducing brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and CO emissions, especially at higher hydrogen flow rates (6 L per minute). NOx emissions showed a slight increase with hydrogen enrichment, while CO2 control remained difficult. The multi-mode optimization has demonstrated optimum operating conditions, reaching high values of power (7.74 kW), torque (26.82 Nm), fuel efficiency (243.16 g BSCF) and emissions, emphasizing the balance between performance and environmental performance. This study confirms the potential of blending microalgae-enriched biodiesel with H2 to refine the performance of CI engines with acceptable emission profiles.
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