Comprehensive assessment of preheating and nano-additive integration on the performance and economic viability of waste cooking oil biodiesel

This experimental study seeks to improve the engine performance by investigating the novel synergetic effects of nano-additive addition and fuel preheating, unlike previous research work that have primarily focused on individual optimization strategies which assist in improving fuel thermal characteristics and prevent the formation of crystals that can clog fuel injectors. This study also aims to analyze the environmental and economic impacts of waste cooking oil biodiesel. A two-stage optimized extraction process with a 91.24% yield for production and single cylinder, four stroke (SC-4S) diesel engine was selected for its compatibility with the experimental conditions and reliable performance in testing environments. The results revealed that by preheating the viscosity of biodiesel reduces significantly which promotes better vaporization and atomization of fuel, furthermore, with the large surface area and characteristics of titanium dioxide (TiO2) helps in better oxidation of hydrocarbons during the combustion of fuel. These research findings show that the biodiesel blend of 20% waste cooking oil biodiesel and 80% diesel with 100 ppm titanium dioxide (B20T100) enhances brake thermal efficiency by 5.04% as compared to diesel at maximum load condition. The production cost of second-generation biodiesel is around INR 41.77 per liter and it takes a period of nearly 2.4 years to recover its cost. Waste cooking oil can be utilized as an alternative biofuel in diesel engine, promoting sustainable renewable energy resources.