Enhancement of diesel engine performance and emission reduction using ZnS nanoparticles and water emulsions with electrostatic precipitator integration
Bassam S. Aljohani, Khalid Aljohani, K. Muralidharan, Suresh Vellaiyan, Beemkumar Nagappan
Abstract
This study explores a novel approach to enhancing water-emulsified diesel fuel by incorporating zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles and mitigating particulate matter (PM) emissions through a single-stage electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Water was blended with plain diesel fuel (PDF) at varying concentrations (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %), with ZnS nanoparticles (100 ppm) specifically introduced into the 15 % water-emulsified fuel to stabilize combustion. Performance and combustion characteristics were evaluated using a single-cylinder diesel engine, while emissions were analyzed before and after ESP treatment. Results indicate that up to 10 % water-emulsified fuel improves performance and reduces emissions, but higher water content negatively impacts combustion. The inclusion of ZnS nanoparticles in 15 % water-emulsified fuel counteracted these drawbacks, maintaining stable performance similar to the 10 % blend. While oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions decreased by 2.5 %, 5.9 %, and 6.1 %, respectively, PM emissions increased by 7.7 % due to nanoparticle-induced combustion dynamics. However, integrating ESP effectively reduced PM emissions by 74.2 % with minimal influence on other exhaust pollutants. This study provides a comprehensive fuel modification and post-combustion control strategy, bridging critical gaps in sustainable diesel combustion technology.