Experimental investigation of CuO nanoparticle additives with magnetic fuel conditioning for SI engine performance and emissions

The present study experimentally applies bioethanol and copper oxide nanoparticles with and without magnetic fields in different ratios to the spark ignition (SI) engine. An emulsion of gasoline-bioethanol-copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles was formed using an ultrasonic device to prevent fouling, and a mechanical homogenizer was used to create a uniform composition. A total of ten different tests were performed at four engine speeds of 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 RPM. A 190 kW eddy current dynamometer was used to measure engine power, and a CAP3200 gas analyzer was used to determine engine output pollutants. The results show that adding bioethanol by 10% leads to increased power. However, it is interesting that 20 ppm CuO with magnetic field conditions increases engine power to 14.24%, but bioethanol increases brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). Adding bioethanol and CuO to gasoline and applying a magnetic field in the fuel line reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. The best combination of reducing pollutants and exhaust gas temperatures and increasing power is gasoline-10% bioethanol-30 ppm CuO with magnetic field conditions. The results showed that pure gasoline with a magnetic field has the lowest BSFC.