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• A novel approach of cow-urine (gomutra) emulsification in diesel is explored. • 15% Cow-urine emulsification in diesel was found optimum. • Significant 13.2% improvement in brake thermal efficiency was observed. • Water and urea content of the GMD emulsion resulted in reduced exhaust emissions. • NO x and smoke emissions got reduced up to 31.8% and 36.9% respectively. Apart from the various emission reduction strategies, a novel concept of cow-urine emulsification in diesel has been explored in this study. In India, cow urine is easily and readily available as gomutra distillate. It constitutes of around 95% water and exhibits the benefits of water emulsification to improve the brake thermal efficiency. Additionally, it consists of urea which works as a reducing agent and significantly cuts-down the NO x emissions. Sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium present in the cow-urine are also expected to enhance the fuel properties as found in various other researches. Emulsions containing 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (v/v) cow-urine were tested on a stationary C.I. engine. The 15% emulsion was found to be optimum with a remarkable increase in BTE reaching up to 24.8% as compared to 21.9% with base diesel. In emissions, NO x and smoke got reduced by maximum up to 31.8% and 36.9% respectively. At lower loads, the CO emissions were found to be increased but at higher loads, it was also decreased. No significant variation in HC emissions was observed. Overall, cow-urine emulsified diesel fuel was found to be an energy-efficient and cleaner alternative fuel for stationary C.I. engine application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]