The effect of acetylene gas addition on performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with waste cooking oil biodiesel – diesel fuel blends

Today, a large part of the energy need is met from fossil fuels, and alternative energy sources have come to the fore due to the gradual decrease of fossil-based resources and their negative effects on the environment. Acetylene gas, which has a high lower calorific value, low cost and easily available, is seen as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. In this study, the effect of the addition of acetylene gas to a diesel engine operating with a diesel fuel-waste cooking oil biodiesel mixture on engine performance and exhaust emissions was experimentally investigated. Engine tests were carried out by adding acetylene gas to the intake air of the diesel engine operating with diesel, B25 (75% diesel+25% biodiesel) and B50 (50% diesel+50% biodiesel) fuels at a rate of 10 L and 15 L per minute. The performance and emission values were determined by testing the experimental fuels at 40 Nm, 60 Nm and 80 Nm engine loads in a four-stroke, 4-cylinder, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine with Common Rail fuel injection system. As a result of the study, the addition of acetylene gas to Diesel, B25 and B50 test fuels caused a decrease in thermal efficiency and volumetric efficiency, while an increase in specific fuel consumption, specific energy consumption and exhaust gas temperature values. With the contribution of acetylene gas, NOx, HC, CO and soot emissions increased, while CO2 emissions decreased.