Abstract

The main objective of this work was to improve the performance of biodiesel–methanol blends in a VCR engine by using optimized engine parameters. For optimization of the engine, operational parameters such as compression ratio, fuel blend, and load are taken as factors, whereas performance parameters such as brake thermal efficiency (Bth) and brake specific fuel consumption (Bsfc) and emission parameters such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC), Nitric oxides (NOx) and smoke are taken as responses. Experimentation is carried out as per the design of experiments of the response surface methodology. Optimization of engine operational parameters is carried out using Derringers Desirability approach. From the results obtained it is inferred that the VCR engine has maximum performance and minimum emissions at 18 compression ratio, 5% fuel blend and at 9.03 kg of load. At this optimized operating conditions of the engine the responses such as brake thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, and smoke are found to be 31.95%, 0.37 kg/kW h, 0.036%, 5 ppm, 531.23 ppm and 15.35% respectively. It is finally observed from the mathematical models and experimental data that biodiesel methanol blends have maximum efficiency and minimum emissions at optimized engine parameters.

Abstract

This research focuses on identifying the most important stern shape aspects, with regard to resistance and propulsion power, of inland ships. Such information should help designers to determine which hull form aspect to adjust in case design requirements need them to do so. The information is obtained by firstly conducting a large series of CFD calculations, using the PARNASSOS code, for systematically varied inland ships. Next, response surface technologies are used to identify the most important aspects. This is done by sequentially adding and/or removing parameters from the response surface in order to find the combination of parameters that explains the majority of the variance in the performance data for the tested hull forms. Finally, an optimization algorithm is used to determine the optimal hull forms for varying displacement, showing which parameters should be adjusted preferably in order to increase (or decrease) ship displacement. This, specifically, should aid designers in making the trade-off between displacement (or cargo capacity) and energy consumption.

Abstract

This research focuses on identifying the most important stern shape aspects, with regard to resistance and propulsion power, of inland ships. Such information should help designers to determine which hull form aspect to adjust in case design requirements need them to do so. The information is obtained by firstly conducting a large series of CFD calculations, using the PARNASSOS code, for systematically varied inland ships. Next, response surface technologies are used to identify the most important aspects. This is done by sequentially adding and/or removing parameters from the response surface in order to find the combination of parameters that explains the majority of the variance in the performance data for the tested hull forms. Finally, an optimization algorithm is used to determine the optimal hull forms for varying displacement, showing which parameters should be adjusted preferably in order to increase (or decrease) ship displacement. This, specifically, should aid designers in making the trade-off between displacement (or cargo capacity) and energy consumption.