In the quest for cleaner and more efficient maritime propulsion, researchers are turning to biodiesel and artificial intelligence to optimize diesel engine performance and reduce harmful emissions. A recent study published in the journal ‘Next Energy’ (translated from German as ‘Next Energy’) has shed light on how biodiesel can help control nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, a significant concern for the maritime industry.
The study, led by Aditya Kolakoti from the School of Marine Engineering and Technology at the Indian Maritime University in Kolkata, investigated the combustion performance of a diesel engine fueled with neat biodiesel. The research team examined various combustion aspects, including cylinder pressures, heat energy developed and released, mass burnt fractions (MBF), and mean gas temperatures (MGT). They also looked into the influence of combustion temperatures on NOx formation.
Kolakoti and his team used a feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to predict combustion parameters. The model achieved high accuracy, with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.99 and a low mean square error (MSE). The study found that biodiesel exhibited controlled diffusion combustion, leading to more sustained combustion and lower NOx formation compared to diesel fuel. Specifically, NOx formation was reduced by 6.19% and 6.18% at 75% and 100% loads, respectively.
The commercial impacts of this research are significant for the maritime industry. As regulations on NOx emissions continue to tighten, shipping companies are under pressure to find cleaner and more efficient fuel solutions. Biodiesel, derived from renewable sources, offers a promising alternative to traditional diesel fuel. The use of AI to optimize engine performance can further enhance the efficiency and environmental benefits of biodiesel.
“Biodiesel exhibits controlled diffusion combustion, achieving more sustained combustion,” Kolakoti explained. “This leads to lower NOx formation, which is a significant advantage for the maritime industry.”
The integration of AI in engine performance prediction also opens up new opportunities for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring. By accurately predicting combustion parameters, shipping companies can optimize engine performance, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize emissions. This can lead to substantial cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
In conclusion, the study by Kolakoti and his team highlights the potential of biodiesel and AI in optimizing diesel engine performance and reducing NOx emissions. As the maritime industry continues to seek sustainable and efficient fuel solutions, biodiesel and AI-driven optimization offer promising avenues for achieving these goals. The research published in ‘Next Energy’ provides valuable insights for maritime professionals looking to adopt cleaner and more efficient propulsion technologies.