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The study aims to determine the the optimal value of output parameters of a variable compression ratio (CR) diesel engine are investigated at different loads, CR and fuel modes of operation experimentally. The output parameters of a variable compression ratio (CR) diesel engine are investigated at different loads, CR and fuel modes of operation experimentally. The performance parameters like brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC), whereas CO emission, HC emission, CO₂ emission, NO_x emission, exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and opacity are the emission parameters measured during the test. Tests are conducted for 2, 6 and 10 kg of load, 16.5 and 17.5 of CR.

In this investigation, the first engine was fueled with 100% diesel and 100% Calophyllum inophyllum oil in single-fuel mode. Then Calophyllum inophyllum oil with producer gas was fed to the engine. Calophyllum inophyllum oil offers lower BTE, CO and HC emissions, opacity and higher EGT, BSEC, CO₂ emission and NO_x emissions compared to diesel fuel in both fuel modes of operation observed. The performance optimization using the Taguchi approach is carried out to determine the optimal input parameters for maximum performance and minimum emissions for the test engine. The optimized value of the input parameters is then fed into the prediction techniques, such as the artificial neural network (ANN).

From multiple response optimization, the minimum emissions of 0.58% of CO, 42% of HC, 191 ppm NO_x and maximum BTE of 21.56% for 16.5 CR, 10 kg load and dual fuel mode of operation are determined. Based on generated errors, the ANN is also ranked for precision. The proposed ANN model provides better prediction with minimum experimental data sets. The values of the R² correlation coefficient are 1, 0.95552, 0.94367 and 0.97789 for training, validation, testing and all, respectively. The said biodiesel may be used as a substitute for conventional diesel fuel.

The blend of Calophyllum inophyllum oil-producer gas is used to run the diesel engine. Performance and emission analysis has been carried out, compared, optimized and validated.

This paper aims to conduct an experimental and theoretical investigation into fuel pre-delivery effects for a heavy fuel crankcase scavenged spark ignition two-stroke cycle engine for unmanned aerial vehicle application.

One-dimensional computational fluid dynamic modelling of the engine system using WAVE software supported by experimental dynamometer testing of the subject engine with kerosene JET A-1 and gasoline and fuels.

The experimental research has shown performance improvements using fuel preheating via use of auxiliary transfer port fuel injection. Computational simulation has allowed comparisons with auxiliary transfer port injection and direct in-cylinder injection to be made.

While some heavy fuel engines are now available for unmanned aerial vehicles the best solution to meet the military equipment single fuel policy remains an area of evolving research. The findings within this study show possibilities for fuel pre-treatment.

One-dimensional computational fluid dynamic modelling of the engine system using WAVE software supported by experimental dynamometer testing of the subject engine with kerosene JET A-1 and gasoline fuels.

This study aims at improving combustion process to reduce emissions. Emissions such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter and unburnt hydrocarbons are a result of incomplete combustion. These emissions have useful energy but cannot be reclaimed. Hence, to enhance combustion, effect of biofuel blending on diesel combustion was investigated.

Essential oils have been found easier for blending with diesel because of simple molecular structure compared to vegetable oils. Lavender oil is an essential oil which has not yet been studied by blending with diesel. The major constituents of lavender oil are linalyl acetate (cetane number improver) and linalool (nitrogen oxides reduction). A single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine was run by blending diesel with lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia oil [LAO]) in varying proportions, 5%, 10% and 15% by volume.

Higher heat release rate (HRR) was observed using lavender oil blends compared to pure diesel. Compared to diesel, an increase in brake-specific fuel consumption using blends was observed. LAO15 has the lowest CO emissions at all loading conditions, 29.3% less at 100% load compared to diesel. LAO5 and LAO15 have 6.9% less HC emissions at 100% load condition compared to diesel. LAO15 has only 1.3% higher NO_x emissions compared to diesel at 100% load condition. LAO5 has the lowest smoke content at all loading conditions.

Lavender oil was used directly without any processing. Tested on single-cylinder engine.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, currently, there is no published work on lavender oil–diesel combination. Lavender oil can provide a simple renewable solution for diesel additives with potential up to 15% blending.

This research focuses on the development and characterization of oil-wetted spun-bonded polypropylene (PP) non-woven filters for improved air intake systems in automobiles. The study aims to enhance engine performance, durability, fuel economy and emission reduction by addressing key aspects such as contaminants filtration efficiency, loading capacity, pressure drop, temperature performance and longevity.

The research methodology involves the utilization of textile fabrics, particularly oil-wetted spun-bonded PP non-woven filters, renowned for their effective particle collection capability from intake air. Experiments were conducted using a Box–Behnken design with three variables – oil concentration, areal density and dust quantity – each at three different levels to establish correlations with the filter’s dust holding capacity (DHC) and pressure drop.

The findings indicate that immersing particles in oil-coated medium significantly enhances the filter’s DHC. Notably, castor oil as a coating demonstrates remarkable results, with a 97.53% increase in DHC and a high particulate matter filtration efficiency of 94.12%.

This study contributes to the originality of research by emphasizing the importance of oil density in determining the filter’s DHC and filtration efficiency. Furthermore, it highlights the superiority of castor oil over coconut oil-coated filter media, advancing air intake and/or filter systems for automotive engines.

This study aims to propose an optimization framework using deep neural networks (DNN) coupled with nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution method to improve the tribological properties of camshaft bearing pairs of internal combustion engine.

A lubrication model based on the theory of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and flexible multibody dynamics was developed for a V6 diesel engine. Setting DNN model as fitness function, the multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm and decision-making method were used to optimize the bearing pair structure with the goal of minimizing the total friction loss and the difference of the average values of minimum oil film thickness.

The results show that the lubrication state corresponding to the optimized bearing pair structure is elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Compared with the original structure, the optimized structure significantly reduces the total friction loss.

The optimized performance and corresponding structural parameters are obtained, and the optimization results were verified through multibody dynamics simulation.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0417/

The study aims to verify and establish the result of the most suitable optimization approach for higher performance and lower emission of a variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine. In this study, three types of test fuels are taken and tested in a variable compression ratio diesel engine (compression ignition). The fuels used are conventional diesel fuel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al₂O₃). The effect of bioethanol and nano-particles on performance, emission and cost-effectiveness is investigated at different load and compression ratios (CRs). The optimum performance and lower emission of the engine are evaluated and compared with other optimization methods.

The test engine is run by diesel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al₂O₃) in three different loadings (4 kg, 8 kg and 12 kg) and CR of 14, 16 and 18, respectively. The optimum value of energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, NO_X emission and relative cost variation are determined against the input parameters using Taguchi-Grey method and confirmed by response surface methodology (RSM) technique.

Using Taguchi-Grey method, the maximum energy and exergy efficiency, minimum % relative cost variation and NO_X emission are 24.64%, 59.52%, 0 and 184 ppm, respectively, at 4 kg load, 18 CR and fuel type of nano-fuel. Using RSM technique, maximum energy and exergy efficiency are 24.8% and 62.9%, and minimum NO_X emission and % cost variation are 208.4 ppm and –6.5, respectively, at 5.2 kg load, 18 CR and nano-fuel. The RSM is suggested as the most appropriate technique for obtaining maximum energy and exergy efficiency, and minimum % relative cost; however, for lowest possible NO_X emission, the Taguchi-Grey method is the most appropriate.

Waste rice straw is used to produce bioethanol. 4-E analysis, i.e. energy, exergy, emission and economic analysis, has been carried out, optimized and compared.

After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand key stakeholders’ current and future role in a family business using techniques like Gersick 3 Axes Model, understand the power dynamics in a family business, understand the power struggles seen in the family business and understand the challenges in the implementation of a deed of family settlement (DFS) with multiple stakeholders.

Kirloskar group was established in 1888 by Laxmanrao Kirloskar. He started with farm manufacturing equipment and later diversified into various kinds of engine manufacturing units. Kirloskar Group today is an Indian conglomerate multinational company with its headquarters in Pune, Maharashtra; India exports to more than 70 countries, most of which are from Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. The group was managed as a cohesive unit until Chandrakant Kirloskar was at the helm as the chairman. Each brother’s family was managing a business and companies in the fold in which they started. The Kirloskar Group had first split in 2000 when Bengaluru-based Vijay Kirloskar (Ravindra Kirloskar’s son, fourth son of Laxmanrao Kirloskar) moved out of the group with Kirloskar Electrical while the Pune-based Kirloskar brothers moved out with Kirloskar Oil Engine Engines, Kirloskar Brothers, Kirloskar Pneumatics and related subsidiaries. In 2009, a DFS was signed among the family members, including a noncompete clause against each other regarding the usage of the Kirloskar brand name and the tagline “Kirloskar Enriching Lives.” The current dispute started in 2020 when first Vijay filed a suit against his nephews regarding illegal usage of the Kirloskar brand name for the companies not eligible to use it and second when Sanjay Kirloskar also filed a similar lawsuit against his brothers for illegally using the brand name and violating the noncompete clause. The high court, in its judgment, sent the case for arbitration, but Sanjay approached the Supreme Court of India regarding the stipulated arbitration process. With both sides taking a hard stance, there did not seem to be a quick resolution to this dispute.

This case study is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate level in entrepreneurship course and family business course.

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

The purpose of this study is to create sustainable additives for future vehicles, characterized by low levels of sulfated ash, sulfur and phosphorus (SAPS) or even SAPS-free alternatives. These newly developed additives must not only match or outperform the current commercial benchmarks in terms of tribological performance, but also align with the emerging sustainability trends. It is anticipated that this innovative technology will yield promising outcomes in the realm of hybrid and electric vehicles.

This research primarily focused on chemical synthesis, performance evaluation and characterizations. These aspects were studied through collaboration between Syensqo, Southwest Research Institute (the USA) and the Lab of the Future in France. The data was generated and analyzed by a team of research scientists, internship students and technical specialists.

Two types of additives have been specifically designed and synthesized in accordance with sustainable requirements. Both technologies have exhibited exceptional frictional and wear-resistant properties. Moreover, the leading candidates exhibit a lower rate of copper corrosion, stable electric conductivity and outstanding thermal stability when compared to commercial benchmarks. This study is expected to open a new research avenue for developing next-generation additives for lubricants, with wide potential applications including hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle markets.

In the current lubricant market, there is a lack of effective low-SAPS or SAPS-free additives. This research aims to address this gap by designing sustainable additives for next-generation vehicles that not only meet specific requirements but also maintain optimal lubrication performance.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0033/

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of electric tugboat deployment in maritime transportation, including an in-depth assessment of its advantages and disadvantages. Along with the identification of advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboat deployment, the present research also aims to provide managerial insights into the economic viability of different tugboat alternatives that can guide future investments in the following years.

A detailed literature review was conducted, aiming to gain broad insights into tugboat operations and focusing on different aspects, including tugboat accidents and safety issues, scheduling and berthing of tugboats, life cycle assessment of diesel tugboats and their alternatives, operations of electric and hybrid tugboats, environmental impacts and others. Moreover, a set of interviews was conducted with the leading experts in the electric tugboat industry, including DAMEN Shipyards and the Port of Auckland. Econometric analyses were performed as well to evaluate the financial viability and economic performance of electric tugboats and their alternatives (i.e. conventional tugboats and hybrid tugboats).

The advantages of electric tugboats encompass decreased emissions, reduced operating expenses, improved energy efficiency, lower noise levels and potential for digital transformation through automation and data analytics. However, high initial costs, infrastructure limitations, training requirements and restricted range need to be addressed. The electric tugboat alternative seems to be the best option for scenarios with low interest rate values as increasing interest values negatively impact the salvage value of electric tugboats. It is expected that for long-term planning, the electric and hybrid tugboat alternatives will become preferential since they have lower annual costs than conventional diesel tugboats.

The outcomes of this research provide managerial insights into the practical deployment of electric tugboats and point to future research needs, including battery improvements, cost reduction, infrastructure development, legislative and regulatory changes and alternative energy sources. The advancement of battery technology has the potential to significantly impact the cost dynamics associated with electric tugboats. It is essential to do further research to monitor the advancements in battery technology and analyze their corresponding financial ramifications. It is essential to closely monitor the industry’s shift toward electric tugboats as their prices become more affordable.

The maritime industry is rapidly transforming and facing pressing challenges related to sustainability and digitization. Electric tugboats represent a promising and innovative solution that could address some of these challenges through zero-emission operations, enhanced energy efficiency and integration of digital technologies. Considering the potential of electric tugboats, the present study provides a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboats in maritime transportation, extensive evaluation of the relevant literature, interviews with industry experts and supporting econometric analyses. The outcomes of this research will benefit governmental agencies, policymakers and other relevant maritime transportation stakeholders.