Performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine operated with water-biodiesel emulsion fuels

Emission norms have been getting stricter day by day and forcing researchers to reduce emissions released to the environment by taking additional precautions. There are many methods used by researchers for this purpose. Diesel-water emulsions are one of the methods. Emulsion fuel use is a very effective method, especially in reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions simultaneously. In this study, emulsion fuels were prepared with use of diesel, sunflower biodiesel, water and surfactant (Span 80 +Tween 80). Fuels were D (pure diesel), DS5 (93% diesel + 5% water + 2% surfactant), DS10 (88% diesel + 10% water + 2% surfactant), B (biodiesel), BS5 (93% biodiesel + 5% water + 2% surfactant), BS10 (88% biodiesel + 10% water + 2% surfactant). Emulsion fuels were formed by mixing at a speed of 1500 rpm for 1 hour at room temperature with the help of a mechanical stirrer and fuel properties were determined. Emulsion fuels caused a reduction in engine torque and braking power values, as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.