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The textile industry now produces thousands of tons of waste worldwide, and the total amount of discarded material waste increases yearly. Hygrothermal aging of cotton/E-glass (hybrid) fiber reinforced with various proportions of graphene oxide (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) was performed. Epoxy and vinyl ester (50:50) have been chosen because of the Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs) concept. Laminates were subjected to 50, 60, and 70°C temperatures for 180 days. Further, Tg and the degree of cross-linking have been determined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC analysis proves that a hot water bath enhances the cross-linking of the polymer. IPN laminates were also intermittently weighed for water uptake, and their consecutive mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, and impact strength were obtained. From this work, it was observed that the addition of 5 w.t% graphene oxide in cotton/E glass fiber vinyl ester/epoxy resin hybrid IPN composites showed a tensile strength of 375.61 MPa, flexural strength of 393.54 MPa, Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of 49 MPa and the impact strength of 22.54 MPa. Moreover, the lowest inclusion of particulate addition exhibits better mechanical properties than (up to 5% of GO) the highest particulate loading into the matrix. SEM study was conducted on the broken specimens to know the impact of diffusion characteristics on the physical properties of the IPN composites. Highlights • Natural and synthetic fibers are used as reinforcements. • Waste cotton/E glass fiber vinyl epoxy composites are fabricated. • Laminates were subjected to diverse temperatures for 180 days. • The moisture diffusion coefficient is proportional to water temperature. • Bathtub temperature affects the tensile strength of the laminate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of concentration and flow-rate of CeO2 nano-fluid to reduce smoke emissions from a diesel engine. Taguchi-Grey relational-based multi-response optimization method was employed for test-plan. Results revealed that nano-fluid flow-rate and its concentration have a positive impact on smoke emissions reduction in a diesel engine. It is confirmed that the results obtained in the experimentations are in line with the calculated values obtained Taguchi technique. The usage of nano-fluid in the tailpipe is an effective way of reducing Smoke emissions from a diesel engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever increasing energy demand ever encourage for new energy production and conservation. In the present work, the cascaded latent heat solar thermal energy storage system has been developed to deliver the heat at different temperature limits and its performance on the improvement of heat transfer characteristics are studied with the use of multiple phase change material (PCM) with various encapsulation arrangements. The storage system consists of three different PCM which have different melting temperatures such as D-mannitol, D-sorbitol, and paraffin wax. Each PCM is encapsulated in different materials of spherical balls like copper, aluminum, and brass. Permanent welding of fins, inside the encapsulated balls of type rectangular, annular and pin is done for enhanced heat transfer. This work investigates for the best combination of fins which may allow the highest heat transfer rate for the least cost. It has been concluded that the transfer of energy is the highest in the use of copper balls for encapsulation of PCM with the attachment of annular fin inside the balls. With respect to energy cost per kJ of heat transfer, the PCM encapsulated in aluminum balls with annular fins may be preferred. However, in all the combinations, to gain higher efficiency of the system proper arrangements of all system components very close to each other is essential to the provision of perfect insulated storage tanks and the components of the piping circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study represents the exergy analysis of the evacuated tube parabolic trough collector and the cascaded latent heat storage system using multi-temperature phase change material (PCMs) during the charging process. The objective of the work is to control the losses and increase the efficiency of the system. The exergy analysis has been conducted on the basis of the first and second laws of thermodynamics in a parabolic trough collector with various mass flow rates of the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The overall variation of exergy efficiency of the collector with varying mass flow rate of the HTF is 5.9 %. The thermodynamic analysis of the cascaded latent heat storage system has been done during the charging process in which the PCM absorbs energy from the HTF and undergoes a phase transformation from the solid to the liquid state. The exergy analysis is conducted by varying the mass flow rate of the HTF in the storage system for both insulated and non-insulated systems. It is noticed that the variation of exergy stored for 5 and 10 liters per minute is 24.609 kW and 40.48 kW, respectively. It is concluded that the high range of energy and exergy stored in the system is achieved by the high flow rate of the HTF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the prospect of utilizing biodiesel from non-edible, waste seed derived from grapefruit. The prepared biodiesel was intended to replace the diesel fuel in a research diesel engine. Two antioxidants namely BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are partially blended to enhance the ignition patterns of diesel/biodiesel blends. 30% volume of grape-seed biodiesel (BD) is blended with 70% volume of diesel and identified as base fuel. 10% volume of two antioxidants is equally blended to base fuel to enhance its physic-chemical properties. Upon blending the antioxidants, no change in phase was observed for base fuel. Performance results found that BHA and BHT addition lowered 1.2–1.4% of BSFC, and improved 0.7–1.1% of BTE of diesel/biodiesel blends respectively. Besides, BHA and BHT inclusion improved the physio-chemical properties of diesel/biodiesel blends and produced a prominent increase in In-Cylinder Pressure (ICP) and heat release rate (HRR). Emissions results revealed that BHA and BHT addition lowered 1.8–2.1%% of CO, 2.2–2.6% of HC of diesel/biodiesel blends. Further, a higher cetane number of BHA and BHT improved the combustion and lowered smoke (2.9–3.4%) and NO (1.9–3.7%) emission for diesel/biodiesel blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Photovoltaic solar system is used as a primary source through an SPWM-based DC-DC converter. • Flywheel is designed to eliminate the dynamic stability. • Converters and controllers were simulated using MATLAB. • 1 kW FESS system can provide the required energy storage. • Pulse Width Modulation Scheme (SPWM) and the soft switching technology can provide improved efficiency. • Proposed system improved the reliability of the power supplied to the load. Energy storage and power conditioning are the two major issues related to renewable energy-based power generation and utilisation. This work discusses an energy storage option for a short-term power requirement, which also acts as a power conditioner. The flywheel, an old invention, is included in the electrical power generation arrangement to achieve energy storage and power conditioning requirements. A Photovoltaic solar system is used as a primary source from which the required DC voltage is obtained through an SPWM-based DC-DC converter. This power is fed to an arrangement consisting of a BLDC machine as prime mover, which drives a mass of flywheel. An alternator connected with the motor and flywheel to supply a 1000 W load. The flywheel is designed to take care of the dynamic stability assisted by a suitably designed controller unit and supporting power supply units t ensure the system's reliability. Hence a conditioned and reliable power supply is provided to the load. This research aims to decide on the dimensions and material of the flywheel to be used, which was achieved using ANSYS. Two different materials were selected, and stress analysis was done to ensure their suitability as an energy storage medium in the power generation system. Similarly, the converters and controllers were simulated using MATLAB to fit them to the renewable power generation scheme based on which a working model is fabricated, and tested through proper commissioning, to get the aimed objectives. The outcome of simulation and experimentation were compared, and suitable illustrations were given to prove the successful implementation of a flywheel-based energy storage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of the oxygenated additives namely DTBP (Di-Tetra-Butyl-Phenol) and 1-Pentadecanol (1-DEC) on emissions, combustion and performance patterns of Karanja biodiesel/diesel blends. Two additives were selected as ignition improver owing to their improved physicochemical properties. The additives were mixed at 10% volume with the equal blends of diesel and biodiesel. Experimental results revealed that by adding additives and biodiesel to diesel found no phase separation. HRR and peak pressure were highest for diesel and least for KBD/D blends. However, blending the additives enhanced its HRR and peak pressure. Addition of additives lowered the harmful emissions significantly with a slight increase in NO emissions to the KBD/D blends. In addition, a noteworthy increase in performance aspects was observed for KBD/D blends by adding DTBP and 1-Pentadecanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at reducing NOx, Smoke, HC, CO emissions from single-cylinder, four-stroke, and water cooled diesel engine. The research engine is fueled with diesel and two blends of butanol and diesel at atmospheric conditions. Neat diesel is termed as D100, 10%, and 20% Volume of butanol dispersed in D100 is termed as D90B10 and D80B20 respectively. The chemical and physical properties of D100, D90B10 and D80B20 fall within the limits of ASTM standards. Results revealed that enhanced chemical properties and higher latent heat of vaporization of butanol lowered the CO, HC, smoke, and NOX emissions of diesel fueled research diesel engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the effect of butanol as an oxygenated additive to lower carbon monoxide, smoke, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon emissions and to improve the performance aspects of Calophyllum inophyllum (Punnai) biodiesel. Single-cylinder, oil-cooled compression ignition engines are employed in this work. Neat Punnai biodiesel (P100) is blended with butanol at 10% and 20% by volume and labelled as B10P90 and B20P80, respectively. Methanol and alkaline catalyst (KOH) were used for the transesterification process for biodiesel production. The transesterification technique yielded 88% biodiesel from raw Punnai oil. Engine tests resulted in lower CO, smoke, NOx and HC emissions when fuelled with both butanol blends when compared to P100. In addition, BSFC (brake-specific fuel consumption) reduced and BTE (brake thermal efficiency) increased with the inclusion of butanol blends (B10 and B20) to neat Punnai biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesels from the mustard oil promise to be an alternative to the conventional diesel fuel due to their similarity in properties. Higher alcohols are added to neat Mustard oil biodiesel (M100) to vary the properties of biodiesel for improving its combustion, emission and performance characteristics. N-Octanol has the ability to act as an oxygen buffer during combustion which contributes to the catalytic effect and accelerates the combustion process. N-Octanol is dispersed to neat Mustard oil biodiesel in the form of emulsions at different dosage levels of 10, 20 and 30% by volume. Three emulsion fuels prepared for engine testing constitutes of 90% of biodiesel and 10% of n-Octanol (M90O10), 80% of biodiesel and 20% of n-Octanol (M80O20) and 70% of biodiesel and 30% of n-Octanol (M70O30) by volume respectively. AVL 5402 diesel engine is made to run on these fuels to study the effect of n-Octanol on combustion, emission and performance characteristics of the mustard oil biodiesel. Experimental results show that addition of n-octanol has a positive effect on performance, combustion and emission characteristics owing to its inbuilt oxygen content. N-octanol was found to be the better oxidizing catalyst as it was more effective in reducing HC and CO emissions. A significant reduction in NOx emission was found when fuelled with emulsion techniques. The blending of n-octanol to neat Mustard oil biodiesel reduces the energy and fuel consumption and a marginal increase in brake thermal efficiency. Further, n-octanol also reduces the ignition delay and aids the combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the effect of urea injection parameters on the reduction of NOxemissions from a 4-stroke twin-cylinder diesel engine fueled with neat biodiesel. The test plan was designed by employing L9(34) Taguchi orthogonal array. It has been experimentally found that the concentration of urea, the flow rate of urea and increase in spray angle has a significant effect on reducing in NOxemissions of the diesel engine when fuelled with neat biodiesel. Further, ANOVA results reveal that the concentration and flow rate of urea are the major parameters in reducing NOxemissions whereas, mixing length and spray angle have minimal effect on reduction in NOxemissions. Since the predicted value derived from Taguchi technique is in accordance with the test results from the confirmation test, the predictive capability of this technique in the study shall be inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, neat biodiesel with octanol additive was employed in a diesel engine and its effects on engine emission were studied. The five fuels evaluated were neat palm kernal oil biodiesel, octanol blended with biodiesel by 10%, 20%, and 30% volume, and diesel. All the emissions are reduced by the addition of octanol in biodiesel in all loads owing to the higher oxygen concentration of air/fuel mixtures and improved atomization. Hence, it is concluded that the neat biodiesel and octanol blends can be employed as an alternative fuel for existing unmodified diesel engines owing to its lesser emission characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this work is to boost the performance characteristics, and to reduce emissions from neem biodiesel (BD100), and to explore the option of direct use of neat BD100 in a diesel engine. The biodiesel concentrations were maintained at 90 and 80% where the volumes of decanol were 10, 20%. This work revealed that the increase in decanol concentration was followed by the reduction in fuel consumption (0.9%) as well as the enhancement in thermal efficiency (0.5%) inside the engine. Smoke (3.2%), HC (2.4%) and CO (4.8%) level reduced with a consequence of minor higher NO X (4.3%) emissions than diesel. Additionally, Combustion front such as Heat release rate (HRR) and the peak pressure increased with decanol content for neem biodiesel. This study discloses that 80% of neem biodiesel and 20% of Decanol can enhance the diesel engine combustion, performance and emissions with no alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of doping hexanol into biodiesel which is from neat cashew nut shell biodiesel oil on the emissions and the performance characteristics was studied in a constant speed diesel engine. The main purpose of this work is to reduce various emissions and also to improve the performance of the diesel engine when fueled with blends of hexanol and neat cashew nut shell biodiesel. Cashew nut shell oil is not edible, and hence it can be used as a viable alternative to diesel. Cashew nut shell biodiesel is prepared by conventional transesterification. Hexanol with 99.2% purity was employed as an oxygenated additive. Experimental studies were conducted by fueling diesel as a baseline and by fueling hexanol and neat cashew nut shell biodiesel mixture. A fuel comprising 10% (by volume) of hexanol and 90% (by volume) neat cashew nut shell biodiesel was referred to as CNSBD900H100 and fuel comprising 20% (by volume) of hexanol and 80% (by volume) of neat cashew nut shell biodiesel was referred to as CNSBD800H200. This study also investigated the possibility of using pure biofuel in an unmodified naturally aspirated diesel engine. The outcome of this study showed that adding hexanol at 10% and 20% (by volume) to cashew nut shell biodiesel results in a reduction in emissions. In addition, a significant improvement in brake thermal efficiency and reduction in brake-specific fuel consumptions were achieved. Hence, it could be concluded that hexanol could be a viable and promising additive for improving the drawbacks of biodiesel when it was used to fuel an unmodified diesel engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel obtained from mustard seed is found to be a promising alternative for petroleum diesel fuel owing to its similarity in physical and chemical properties. In this work, TiO nano-fluid which acts as an oxygen buffer during combustion was added to mustard oil biodiesel (MOBD) to study its effect on emission characteristics of MOBD. TiO nano-fluid can provide high surface energy during the course of combustion and reduces the limitations of neat biodiesel. A four-stroke, multi-cylinder, water-cooled, diesel engine was used in the experiments and was fueled with diesel, neat MOBD and MOBD with TiO nanoparticles at 100 ppm (MOBDT100), 200 ppm (MOBDT200) and 300 ppm (MOBDT300). Experimental results revealed that the TiO nanoparticles had positive effect on the emission characteristics of MOBD as it acted as an oxidation buffer. MOBDT300 showed a reduction in HC, CO and smoke emissions as compared to pure MOBD. In addition, NO emissions were also reduced by the catalytic activity of the TiO nanoparticles which reduce the peak combustion temperature. Therefore, TiO nano-fluid had a positive effect on reducing the emissions associated with neat biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The non-edible Sinapis arvensis oil was considered for the synthesis of biofuel. • This study highlights the importance of lowering the reactant wastage. • Maximizing the overall efficiency in biofuel production is studied. • The physicochemical properties of Sinapis arvensis oil and biofuel is examined. • Sinapis arvensis biofuel could be a better substitute for existing fossil fuels. Large-scale biofuel production by utilizing edible crops leads to economic imbalance and depletion of food supply. Additionally, biofuel production costs from edible sources increase with time. Hence, biofuels derived from inedible feedstocks are the viable solution to these issues. The present research emphasizes reducing reactant wastage and optimizing overall efficiency in bio-oil synthesis from Sinapis Arvensis seed oil (SASO) to obtain the highest yield. The complete procedure will be carried out while considering optimized entities to increase methyl ester efficiency. The recommended optimal entities were discovered to be effective in maximizing yield. The Free Fatty Acids value of SASO is determined by employing isopropyl alcohol to study its potential as an alternative fuel. Oil was converted to crude biodiesel in a two-step transesterification process employing acid and base catalyst. An optimization approach was used to attain a high output and high biodiesel quality with lower waste. The Taguchi approach was used to optimize all of the process entities considered for this experiment. The most efficient and productive entities were identified using this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]