Investigation of the effects of nanoparticle added alternative fuels produced from vegetable oil and microalgae on a diesel engine

As a result of combustion of fuel and air mixture in combustion chamber in internal combustion engines, harmful exhaust emissions are released along with useful mechanical work. Exhaust emissions have negative effects on humans and nature. Considering limited oil resources and these harmful exhaust emissions, scientists are focusing on production of alternative fuels that will be an alternative to oil and produce less exhaust emissions. In this thesis study, use of different vegetable oils as alternative fuels in diesel engines was investigated. For this purpose, vegetable crude oil produced by cold pressing method was used by mixing it with diesel fuel in different proportions. In addition, microalgae oil was added to vegetable crude oil/diesel mixture and its effects on engine performance and exhaust emission values were examined. Due to high viscosity values of crude vegetable oil and microalgae oil, it was aimed to improve the physical properties of the fuel mixture by applying preheating process to the fuel mixtures. On the other hand, nanoparticles have been added to fuel mixtures to improve the combustion properties of fuel mixtures. In general, the aim of the study is to create an alternative fuel mixture and investigate effects of these fuel mixtures on exhaust emission and performance values of diesel engine. In addition, it is aimed to improve the combustion capabilities of fuel mixtures with preheating process and nanoparticle additives. For this purpose, effects of alternative fuels in which raw walnut oil and microalgae oils were mixed with diesel fuel were experimentally investigated.