Enhancing and Restoring Safety & Quality Cultures - Dave Litwiller - May 2024...
intro.docx
1. Energy consumption is massive nowadays, and it is a critical aspect in a country's development.
Simultaneously, energy shortage has become an economic risk to the development of nations
all over the world. Since the dawn of civilization, the demand for energy has been steadily
increasing. Due to population increase and industrial development, energy demand has been
constantly increasing in recent years. Because of their high calorific values, strong anti-
knocking qualities, and high heating values, fossil fuels are now the primary sources of energy.
As a result, by lowering fossil fuel usage, the development of renewable and innovative energy
supplies can help to decelerate the depletion of fossil fuels. [1] Internal combustion engines,
often known as diesel engines, have been discovered to be the major source of energy for
vehicles and automobiles. However, due to the rapid growth in gasoline prices and reliance on
oil from other countries, users have been compelled to reduce their fuel consumption.[2]
CO, HC, CO2, SO2, NOx, and Particulate matter (PM) are the most common exhaust pollutants
created by diesel engines. They pose serious health and environmental risks to humans,
animals, and plants. As a result, air pollution from automobile exhaust has emerged as one of
the most pressing issues in recent years. Engine and ancillary components are undergoing
ongoing research to enhance the degree of exhaust emissions that can be lowered or regulated.
As a result, many alternative fuels and fuel systems are utilized, and these applications go
through a transition period.[3]. The quest for alternative fuels has gotten a lot of attention
because of the possible exhaustion and rising price of petroleum, as well as environmental
problems created by the burning of fossil fuels. Waste cooking oils and non-edible oils, both
of which are readily available, are appealing biodiesel starting ingredients. The characteristics
and performance of this fuel are identical to those of regular diesel fuels, which is one of its
primary benefits. [4]
The impact of nano additions on fuel characteristics is discussed here. Due to the presence of
water, the density and kinematic viscosity of nano emulsion fuels rose slightly. The addition
of zinc nano particles to diesel–pomoplion stearin wax biodiesel blends had no significant
influence on characteristics including density, viscosity, or flash point. The thermal
conductivity coefficient of the fuel is reduced when the nano-metal additive is added to it. As
a result, combining with a metal with a lower heat conductivity might be a viable option for
boosting brake power. Manganese, cerium, alumina, and silica are the most used nano-metal
additions. The influence of mixing cerium oxide and cerium dioxide on engine performance
revealed that adding the nano additions reduced BSFC, HC emissions, and NOX emissions
while increasing engine power.[5]
2. Thermal barrier coating is a ceramic layer that could be applied to components to help insulate
them (TBC). TBCs have found widespread use in jet engines and gas turbines to lengthen
component life and maximize engine efficiency [6] Several research organizations have
investigated zirconates as a potential replacement for Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Lower
sintering activity as well as low heat conductivity are some of zirconates' primary benefits.[7]
Yttria-partially-stabilized zirconia, partially stabilized zirconium, Yttria stabilized zirconia,
magnesia-stabilized zirconia, and aluminum oxide are the most often used TBC. For greater
thermal efficiency, Al2O3 has been used to coat blades in diesel engines. [8] For this
investigation, a 450 micron thick partly stabilized zirconium coating material was used. When
compared to an uncoated diesel engine, it was discovered that the coated engine exhibited a
6% improvement in engine thermal efficiency.[9] The use of biofuel in a diesel engine did not
provide the rated output power due to poor kinematic viscosity. Furthermore, the presence of
some esters in the oil may cause a disruption in the fuel line, resulting in fuel injector clogging
and a deterioration in fuel filter life. Several engine modification techniques, such as thermal
barrier coating, fuel preheating, geometry modification, antioxidant usage, and so on, are
utilized to achieve the rated power with biofuel.[10]