A research team from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of North Sumatra has successfully developed an environmentally friendly diesel fuel. This innovation from the Mechanical Engineering Study Program aims to eliminate black smoke and strong odors from diesel. The findings have been published in the international journal Applied Energy.
The research, which combines a dual-fuel strategy and nanoparticles, was carried out by two researchers.
They stated that with an integrative approach, they combined three major research areas: dual-fuel strategy, the use of nano-additives, and advanced combustion technology.
The results achieved include not only increased efficiency but also the potential to reduce emissions without having to replace the entire existing engine infrastructure.
“This is a solution that is not only visionary but also realistic for developing countries like Indonesia. So far, much research has focused on one specific alternative fuel, such as biodiesel, hydrogen, or ammonia. However, we see that the future of energy lies precisely in a smart combination,” they explained in a written statement.
The research found that a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen can increase engine thermal efficiency by up to 42 percent compared to pure diesel. This mixture produces more stable combustion and is almost free of carbon dioxide emissions.
Meanwhile, using biodiesel with an elliptical injector design can add 15% efficiency, and methanol in a dual-fuel system can also provide an increase of up to 12%.
“However, it cannot be denied that each fuel has its dark side. Biodiesel does reduce carbon monoxide emissions and particulate matter, but it actually increases nitrogen oxides due to higher combustion temperatures,” one researcher said.
Alcohols such as ethanol and methanol have a cooling effect and more homogeneous combustion, but they are prone to ignition delay.
“Hydrogen is almost perfect in terms of emissions, but it is very reactive and difficult to control. This is where the innovation of the researchers lies. It is not about choosing the single most ideal fuel, but about combining various materials and regulating how they work together efficiently,” another researcher noted.
Another secret lies in nanoparticles. The team found that nano-additives such as aluminum oxide and cerium oxide are used as micro-catalysts to improve fuel atomization.
“Imagine finer fuel droplets, burning more completely and producing greater energy without leaving toxic gas residues. As a result, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions can be reduced by more than 20%, while thermal efficiency increases significantly,” one researcher said.
The researchers emphasized that what makes their work different is how they bring together separate findings into a single integrated conceptual framework.
“We hope this work carries a strong message that innovation from universities in Indonesia can stand equal on the world stage,” they concluded.
