The Effects Magnetic Field on Droplet Combustion of Avocado Seed Biodiesel

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Jember, 68121, Jember, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: sanata@unej.ac.id

Abstract

The physical and chemical properties of the fuel will affect the combustion characteristics. Avocado seed oil (ASO) was chosen to be used as biodiesel fuel because it is non-edible sources. ASO biodiesel from the transeserification process is considered to have met SNI and can be used as diesel engine fuel. A breakthrough is needed to optimise the combustion results of a single droplet, namely by applying a permanent magnet that can focus on the oxidation reaction of the fuel. The droplet is hung on the end of a thermocouple, placed in the centre between the permanent magnets. Four magnetic field orientations were applied: N-S, S-N, N-N, and S-S. Flame temperature was measured with a K-type thermocouple and the combustion test process was recorded using a DSLR camera. The combustion parameters observed include flame visualisation, ignition delay time, burning time, flame temperature, and flame height. This study was conducted by analysing the behaviour of magnetic field orientation on the combustion of a single droplet of avocado seed biodiesel. The combustion characteristics produced by the attractive magnetic field are more optimal than the repulsive magnetic field. Oxygen and hydrogen reactions are more reactive under attractive magnetic field conditions. Oxygen is paramagnetic so that its molecules can be attracted by the magnetic field and the combustion results are stoichiometric. By optimising single droplet combustion, it will result in more efficient combustion and increase the speed of the combustion reaction. This development is a first step in the analysis of fuel magnetisation in micro-scale combustion before it is applied to diesel engine combustion with potential applications for energy efficiency.