A hybrid RSM-GA-PSO approach on optimization of process intensification of linseed biodiesel synthesis using an ultrasonic reactor: Enhancing biodiesel properties and engine characteristics with ternary fuel blends

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 288; p. 129077
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Aqueel, Yadav, Ashok Kumar, Singh, Achhaibar, Singh, Dinesh Kumar, Ağbulut, Ümit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2024
• Subjects: algorithms; biodiesel; Biodiesel production; Carbon free sustainable energy; Emissions; energy efficiency; energy use and consumption; Engine performance; heat; linseed; linseed oil; mass transfer; octanol; Optimization; response surface methodology; temperature; Ternary blend; ultrasonics; Carbon free sustainable energy; Biodiesel production; Engine performance; Optimization; Ternary blend; Emissions
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129077

The depletion of fossil fuels necessitates the development of sustainable and energy-efficient techniques for biodiesel production. In recent years, cavitation reactors have emerged as a viable alternative to conventional biodiesel synthesis methods due to their superior conversion rates and shorter processing times. These reactors possess a high surface-to-volume ratio and facilitate efficient heat and mass transfer. This study aims to optimize the production of biodiesel from linseed oil using a novel ultrasonic cavitation reactor through a hybrid approach. In order to achieve this, an L50 orthogonal array with five factors and three levels was developed using a Box-Behnken design based on response surface methodology (RSM). These factors included the molar ratio (4:1, 6:1, and 8:1), ultrasonic power (100, 125, and 150 W), temperature (25, 35, and 45 °C), time (3, 6, and 9 min), and ultrasonic frequency (25, 30, and 35 kHz). The parameters were optimized using RSM-based desirability, genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) approaches. The results indicated that the RSM-based optimization approach outperformed the other methods. The optimal combination of parameters obtained through RSM consisted of molar ratio of 6.58:1, ultrasonic power of 133.65 W, temperature of 37.44 °C, time of 7.71 min, and pulse frequency of 26.29 kHz. This combination resulted in a biodiesel yield of 95.25%. Furthermore, this study explored the impact of different linseed oil methyl ester, octanol, and diesel blends (B10, B20, B30, B10 (O-10), and B20 (O-10)) on engine performance and emission characteristics. The B20 (O-10) blend exhibited significant potential for simultaneously reducing emissions and enhancing engine performance. When used as engine fuel, the B20 (O-10) blend increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 0.848%, decreased brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 0.607%, and decreased CO, HC, and NOx emissions by 18.75%, 6.55%, and 0.72%, respectively, compared to pure diesel at rated power. [Display omitted] •Intensified biodiesel synthesis using ultrasonic-assisted technology.•A Hybrid RSM-GA-PSO based approach to understand the effect of operating parameters on the biodiesel yield.•Significant process intensification benefits in terms of higher yield and reduced time.•The optimal combination of parameters led to a biodiesel yield of 95.25%.•Effect of a novel ternary blends (Linseed Biodiesel + Diesel + Octanol) on engine characteristics.•B20 (O-10) blend showed a 10–20% reduction in CO, HC, and NOx emissions while improving engine performance compared to diesel.