Shikher Bhandary

Summary
 

The Biofuel engine combustion analysis was simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics. Using several online resources we researched more about the complexities involved in CFD as a field and built a model that would closely match the Biofuel engine that was earlier experimented on.  As diesel is composed almost entirely of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, we expressed the fuel mixture in terms of mass fraction of CH4
 

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We carried out a Fluid Analysis on the Biofuel Engine using CFD software ANSYS. The Piston model is initially created using SolidWorks. 

 

 

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This model is then imported to ANSYS Workbench. A suitable mesh is generated and the relevant inlet and outlet ports are identified.

The appropriate conditions for the solver are entered viz.

Energy Equation – ON

Viscous Flow – k – epsilon

Radiation – P1

Species – Non – premixed condition

 

Each blend was quantified by mass fractions of species in the CFD model.The horizontal plane of the piston model was considered and different profiles were obtained for different blends.

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Complete combustion is depicted by the mass fraction of CH4 i.e. there are no remnants of the fuel left in the piston at the end of combustion, which indicates less knocking and good combustion efficiency
The mass fraction of O2 shows there is surplus supply of air that ensures good combustion as well as easy exhaust of flue gases
The temperature contours help us visualize the flame propagation through the piston during combustion of the fuel
Higher temperature regimes at the flame front generally indicate better combustion characteristics
The mass fraction of OH serves as a good indicator of combustion since this by-product is relatively easy to form (low enthalpy of formation)

Thus, the B20 Blend, with highest concentration of OH species and high temperature regimes is ideally suited for use.

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