Performance evaluation of a diesel engine fueled with methyl ester of castor seed oil

In this investigation, castor methyl ester (CME) was prepared by transesterification using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalyst and was used in four stroke, single cylinder variable compression ratio type diesel engine. Tests were carried out at a rated speed of 1500 rpm at different loads. Straight vegetable oils pose operational and durability problems when subjected to long term usages in diesel engines. These problems are attributed to high viscosity, low volatility and polyunsaturated character of vegetable oils. The process of transesterification is found to be an effective method of reducing vegetable oil viscosity and eliminating operational and durability problems. The important properties of methyl ester of castor seed oil are compared with diesel fuel. The engine performance was analysed with different blends of biodiesel and was compared with mineral diesel. It was concluded that the lower blends of biodiesel increased the break thermal efficiency and reduced the fuel consumption. The exhaust gas temperature increased with increasing biodiesel concentration. The results proved that the use of biodiesel (produced from castor seed oil) in compression ignition engine is a viable alternative to diesel.     

Performance and emission analysis of methyl ester of Azolla algae with TiO2 Nano additive for diesel engine

The present work investigates the effect of using TiO₂ Nanoparticles at a different proportion of Azolla algae methyl ester, in a four-stroke single cylinder diesel engine. Biodiesel can be obtained from Azolla algae due to the presence of high oil content. The oil was extracted from Azolla algae by means of the Soxhlet extraction method which was compared to be more effective than the oil obtained by means of hydraulic pressing machine. The obtained oil was converted to biodiesel by means of transesterification process. The fuel properties of the prepared Azolla methyl ester found to confirm with the ASTM standards. TiO₂ Nanoparticles were synthesized by means of ball milling process and characterized by means of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. In the present study, the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine were analyzed with the addition of TiO₂ Nanoparticles to Azolla oil methyl ester (25,50,75 and100 ppm) and compared with that of diesel. The % decrease in Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) for B20 + 25, B20 + 50, B20 + 75 and B20 + 100 were found to be 7.81, 12.05, 19.71, and 23.53, respectively, when compared to B20. The % increase in Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) for B20 + 25, B20 + 50, B20 + 75 and B20 + 100 were found to be 2.60, 8.49, 8.79 and 13.38, respectively, when compared to B20. The % decrease in Carbon monoxide (CO) for B20 + 25, B20 + 50, B20 + 75 and B20 + 100 were found to be 21.15, 51.92, 54.80, and 57.30, respectively, when compared to B20. The % decrease in Hydro Carbon (HC) for B20 + 25, B20 + 50, B20 + 75 and B20 + 100 were found to be 7.53,8.36,10.04 and 12.97, respectively, when compared to B20. The % increase in Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) for B20 + 25, B20 + 50, B20 + 75 and B20 + 100 were found to be 5.44, 7.85, 8.67, and 9.16, respectively, when compared to B20. The % decrease in smoke for B20 + 25, B20 + 50, B20 + 75 and B20 + 100 were found to be 18.02, 30.18, 31.98 and 36.04, respectively, when compared to B20. Addition of TiO₂ Nanoparticles with the Azolla biodiesel is found to be an effective approach to improve the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine without any modification.     

Performance and emission evaluation of a diesel engine fueled with methyl esters of rubber seed oil

Recent concerns over the environment, increasing fuel prices and scarcity of its supply have promoted the interest in development of the alternative sources for petroleum fuels. At present, biodiesel is commercially produced from the refined edible vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, palm oil and soybean oil, etc. by alkaline-catalyzed esterification process. This process is not suitable for production of biodiesel from many unrefined non-edible vegetable oils because of their high acid value. Hence, a two-step esterification method is developed to produce biodiesel from high FFA vegetable oils. The biodiesel production method consists of acid-catalyzed pretreatment followed by an alkaline-catalyzed transesterification. The important properties of methyl esters of rubber seed oil are compared with other esters and diesel. Pure rubber seed oil, diesel and biodiesel are used as fuels in the compression ignition engine and the performance and emission characteristics of the engine are analyzed. The lower blends of biodiesel increase the brake thermal efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption. The exhaust gas emissions are reduced with increase in biodiesel concentration. The experimental results proved that the use of biodiesel (produced from unrefined rubber seed oil) in compression ignition engines is a viable alternative to diesel.     

The emission analysis of an IDI diesel engine fueled with methyl ester of waste frying palm oil and its blends

In this study, the exhaust emissions of an unmodified diesel engine fueled with methyl ester of waste frying palm-oil (biodiesel) and its blends with petroleum based diesel fuel (PBDF) were investigated at the full load-variable speed condition. The relationships between the fuel properties and the air–fuel equivalence ratio, fuel line pressure, start of injection (SOI) timing, and ignition delay were also discussed to explain their effects on the emissions. The obtained test results were compared with the reference values which were determined by using PBDF. The results showed that when biodiesel was used in the test engine, the fuel line pressure increased while air–fuel equivalence ratio and ignition delay decreased. These behaviors affected the combustion phenomena of biodiesel which caused to reduction 57% in carbon monoxide (CO) emission, about 40% in unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emission and about 23% in smoke opacity when compared with PBDF. However, NO_x and CO₂ emissions of the biodiesel have showed different behaviors in terms of the engine speed.     

Performance and emissions of a diesel tractor engine fueled with marine diesel and soybean methyl ester

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is cleaner than petrodiesel. Biodiesel can be used directly as fuel for a diesel engine without having to modify the engine system. It has the major advantages of having high biodegradability, excellent lubricity and no sulfur content. This paper presents the results of investigations carried out in studying the fuel properties of soybean methyl ester (SME) and its blend with marine diesel fuel from 5%, 20% and 50% blends by volume and in running a diesel engine with these fuels. The results indicate that the use of biodiesel produces lower smoke opacity (up to 74%), but higher brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) (up to 12%) compared to marine fuel (MF). The measured carbon monoxide (CO) emissions of B5 and B100 fuels were found to be 3% and 52% lower than that of the MF, respectively.     

Performance and emission characteristics of a Kirloskar HA394 diesel engine operated on fish oil methyl esters

The high viscosity of fish oil leads to problem in pumping and spray characteristics. The inefficient mixing of fish oil with air leads to incomplete combustion. The best way to use fish oil as fuel in compression ignition (CI) engines is to convert it into biodiesel. It can be used in CI engines with very little or no engine modifications. This is because it has properties similar to mineral diesel. Combustion tests for methyl ester of fish oil and its blends with diesel fuel were performed in a kirloskar H394 DI diesel engine, to evaluate fish biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engine, at constant speed of 1500 rpm under variable load conditions. The tests showed no major deviations in diesel engine's combustion as well as no significant changes in the engine performance and reduction of main noxious emissions with the exception on NO_x. Overall fish biodiesel showed good combustion properties and environmental benefits.     

Combustion of algae oil methyl ester in an indirect injection diesel engine

An experimental study has been carried to use raw Algae oil and its methyl esters in an indirect injection diesel engine. Effects of engine speed, engine load output, injection timing of the algae biofuel and engine compression ratio on the engine output torque, combustion noise (maximum pressure rise rate), maximum pressure and maximum heat release rate have been studied. Raw oil extracted from microalgae and two versions of its methyl ester (0.1 and 0.2 methyl ester versions) have been evaluated in a Ricardo E6 engine. It has been shown that the algae oil methyl ester’s properties are similar to diesel fuel and its use has been successful in running the diesel engine smoothly. However, its use reduced the engine output torque slightly and increased the combustion noise. The engine output can be increased and the combustion noise can be reduced by controlling the engine design parameters e.g. injection timing and compression ratio.     

Use of tobacco seed oil methyl ester in a turbocharged indirect injection diesel engine

Vegetable oils and their methyl/ethyl esters are alternative renewable fuels for compression ignition engines. Different kinds of vegetable oils and their methyl/ethyl esters have been tested in diesel engines. However, tobacco seed oil and tobacco seed oil methyl ester have not been tested in diesel engines, yet. Tobacco seed oil is a non-edible vegetable oil and a by-product of tobacco leaves production. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first study on tobacco seed oil methyl ester as a fuel in diesel engines.In this study, potential tobacco seed production throughout the world, the oil extraction process from tobacco seed and the transesterification process for biodiesel production were examined. The produced tobacco seed oil methyl ester was characterized by exposing its major properties. The effects of tobacco seed oil methyl ester addition to diesel No. 2 on the performance and emissions of a four cycle, four cylinder turbocharged indirect injection (IDI) diesel engine were examined at both full and partial loads. Experimental results showed that tobacco seed oil methyl ester can be partially substituted for the diesel fuel at most operating conditions in terms of performance parameters and emissions without any engine modification and preheating of the blends.     

Comparative assessment of a biogas run dual fuel diesel engine with rice bran oil methyl ester,pongamia oil methyl ester and palm oil methyl ester as pilot fuels

The present study tries to explore the potential of three different types of biodiesel viz. Rice bran oil methyl ester (RBME), Pongamia oil methyl ester (PME) and Palm oil methyl ester (POME) as pilot fuels for a biogas run dual fuel diesel engine designed for power generation. The results indicated that under dual fuel mode, RBME-biogas produced a maximum brake thermal efficiency of 19.97% in comparison to 18.4% and 17.4% respectively for PME-biogas and POME-biogas at 100% load. The emission study divulged that under dual fuel mode, on an average, there was an increase of CO emission by 25.74% and 32.58% for PME-biogas and POME-biogas, respectively in comparison to RBME-biogas. Furthermore, on an average, the HC emissions for PME-biogas and POME-biogas increased by 11.73% and 16.27%, respectively in comparison to RBME-biogas. On the other hand, on an average, there was a decrease in NO_X emission by 5.8% and 14%, respectively for PME-biogas and POME-biogas respectively in comparison to RBME-biogas.     

The use of Koroch seed oil methyl ester blends as fuel in a diesel engine

An experimental investigation was carried out on a small direct injection (DI) diesel engine, fuelling the engine with 10% (B10), 20% (B20), 30% (B30) and 40% (B40) blending of Koroch seed oil methyl ester (KSOME) with diesel. The performance and combustion characteristics of the engine at various loads are compared and analyzed. The results showed higher brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and lower brake thermal efficiency (BTE) for the KSOME blends. The engine indicated power (IP) was more for the blends up to B30, but found to be reduced for the blend B40 when compared to that of diesel. The engine combustion parameters such as pressure crank angle diagram, peak pressure, time of occurrence of peak pressure, net heat-release rate, cumulative heat release, ignition delay and combustion duration were computed. The KSOME blends exhibited similar combustion trend with diesel. However, the blends showed an early start of combustion with shorter ignition delay period. The study reveals the suitability of KSOME blends up to B30 as fuel for a diesel engine mainly used in generating sets and the agricultural applications in India without any significant drop in engine performance.     

Combustion characteristics of a stationary diesel engine fuelled with a blend of crude rice bran oil methyl ester and diesel

The objective of the present work is to analyze the combustion characteristics of crude rice bran oil methyl ester (CRBME) blend (20% of CRBME with 80% no.2 diesel on volume basis) as a fuel in a stationary small duty direct injection (DI) compression ignition (CI) engine. When operating with CRBME blend the cylinder pressure was comparable to that of diesel. It was observed that the delay period and the maximum rate of pressure rise for CRBME blend were lower than those of diesel. The occurrence of maximum heat release rate advanced for CRBME blend with lesser magnitude when compared to diesel. CRBME blend requires more crank angle duration to release 50% & 90% of heat when compared with diesel. The brake specific fuel consumption of CRBME blend was found to be only marginally different from that of the diesel and its hourly fuel cost was higher than that of diesel. CRBME blend has lower smoke intensity and higher NOx emission than those of diesel. Since the measured parameters for CRBME blend differs only by a smaller magnitude, when compared with diesel, this investigation ensures the suitability of CRBME blend as fuel for CI engines with higher fuel cost.     

Effect of injection pressure on performance,emission and combustion characteristics of high linolenic linseed oil methyl ester in a DI diesel engine

Due to the increasing demand for fossil fuels and environmental threat, a number of renewable sources of energy have been studied worldwide. In the present investigation a high linolenic linseed oil methyl ester has been investigated in a constant speed, DI diesel engine with varied fuel injection pressures (200, 220 and 240 bar). The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of injection pressures on performance, emissions and combustion characteristics of the engine. The test results show that the optimum fuel injection pressure is 240 bar with linseed methyl ester. At this optimized pressure the thermal efficiency is similar to diesel and a reduction in carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbon and smoke emissions with an increase in the oxides of nitrogen was noticed compared to diesel. The combustion analysis shows that, the ignition delay is lower at higher injection pressures compared to diesel and the peak pressure is also higher at full load. The combustion duration was almost same at all the injection pressures. It is concluded that linseed methyl ester at 240 bar injection pressure is more efficient than 200 and 220 bar, except for nitrogen oxides emission.     

Study on cottonseed oil as a partial substitute for diesel oil in fuel for single-cylinder diesel engine

The experiments were undertaken to obtain the knowledge necessary for raising the thermal efficiency of mixed oil composed of cottonseed oil and conventional diesel oil and for improving the performance of engine fuelled by the mixture. The experimental results obtained showed that a mixing ratio of 30% cottonseed oil and 70% diesel oil was practically optimal in ensuring relatively high thermal efficiency of engine, as well as homogeneity and stability of the oil mixture. A quadratic regressive orthogonal design test method was adopted in the experiment designed to examine the relationship between specific fuel consumption and four adjustable working parameters (intake-valve-closing angle (α), exhaust-valve-opening angle (β), fuel-delivery angle (θ) and injection pressure (P, in 10⁴ Pa)) when the above-mentioned oil mixture was used. The mathematical equations characterizing the relationship were formulated. The equation of specific fuel consumption derived from the regressive test under each operating condition was set as the objective function and the ranges for the four adjustable working parameters were the given constraint condition. Models of non-linear programming were then constructed. Computer-aided optimization of the working parameters for 30:70 cottonseed oil/diesel oil mixed fuel was achieved. It was concluded that the predominant factor affecting the specific fuel consumption was fuel-delivery angle θ, the approximate optimal value of which, in this specific case, was 3–5° in advance of that for engine fuelled by pure diesel oil. The experimental results also provided useful reference material for selection of the most preferable combination of working parameters.     

Direct injection diesel engine performance,emission, and combustion characteristics using diesel fuel,nonedible honne oil methyl ester,and blends with diesel fuel

Honne oil methyl ester (HOME) is produced from a nonedible vegetable oil, namely, honne oil, available abundantly in India. It has remained as an untapped new possible source of alternative fuel that can be used for diesel engines. The present research is aimed at investigating experimentally the performance, exhaust emission, and combustion characteristics of a direct injection diesel engine (single cylinder, water cooled) typically used in agricultural sector over the entire load range when fuelled with HOME and diesel fuel blends, HM20 (20% HOME + 80% diesel fuel)–HM100. The properties of these blends are found to be comparable with diesel fuel conforming to the American and European standards. The combustion parameters of HM20 are found to be slightly better than neat diesel (ND). For other blend ratios, these combustion parameters deviated compared with ND. The performance (brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake‐specific fuel consumption, and exhaust gas temperature) of HM20 is better than ND. For other blend ratios, BTE is inferior compared with ND. The emissions (CO and SO) of HM20–HM100, throughout the entire load range, are dropped significantly compared with ND. Unburned hydrocarbon emissions of HM20–HM40, throughout the entire load range, is slightly decreased, whereas for other blend ratios, it is increased compared with ND. NO_x emissions of HM20, throughout the entire load range, is slightly increased, whereas for other blend ratios, it is slightly decreased. The reductions in exhaust emissions together with increase in BTE made the blend HM20 a suitable alternative fuel for diesel fuel and thus could help in controlling air pollution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance and emission study of Mahua oil (madhuca indica oil) ethyl ester in a 4-stroke natural aspirated direct injection diesel engine

In this investigation, Mahua Oil Ethyl Ester was prepared by transesterification using sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) as catalyst and tested in a 4-stroke direct injection natural aspirated diesel engine. Tests were carried out at constant speed of 1500 rev/min at different brake mean effective pressures. Results showed that brake thermal efficiency of Mahua Oil Ethyl Ester (MOEE) was comparable with diesel and it was observed that 26.36% for diesel whereas 26.42% for MOEE. Emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and Bosch smoke number were reduced around 58, 63, 12 and 70%, respectively, in case of MOEE compared to diesel. Based on this study, MOEE can be used a substitute for diesel in diesel engine.     

Performance and exhaust emission of turpentine oil powered direct injection diesel engine

This paper presents the results of experimental work carried out to evaluate the combustion performance and exhaust emission characteristics of turpentine oil fuel (TPOF) blended with conventional diesel fuel (DF) fueled in a diesel engine. Turpentine oil derived from pyrolysis mechanism or resin obtained from pine tree dissolved in a volatile liquid can be used as a bio-fuel due to its properties. The test engine was fully instrumented to provide all the required measurements for determination of the needed combustion, performance and exhaust emission variables. The physical and chemical properties of the test fuels were earlier determined in accordance to the ASTM standards.ResultsIndicated that the engine operating on turpentine oil fuel at manufacture's injection pressure – time setting (20.5 MPa and 23° BTDC) had lower carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), smoke level and particulate matter. Further the results showed that the addition of 30% TPOF with DF produced higher brake power and net heat release rate with a net reduction in exhaust emissions such as CO, HC, NO_x, smoke and particulate matter. Above 30% TPOF blends, such as 40% and 50% TPOF blends, developed lower brake power and net heat release rate were noted due to the fuels lower calorific value; nevertheless, reduced emissions were still noted.     

Evaluating combustion,performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine using karanja oil methyl ester biodiesel blends enriched with HHO gas

With a specific end goal to take care of the worldwide demand for energy, a broad research is done to create alternative and cost effective fuel. The fundamental goal of this examination is to investigate the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine using biodiesel blends enriched with HHO gas. The biodiesel blends are gotten by blending KOME obtained from transesterification of karanja oil in various proportions with neat diesel. The HHO gas is produced by the electrolysis of water in the presence of sodium bicarbonate electrolyte. The constant flow of HHO gas accompanied with biodiesel guarantees lessened brake specific fuel consumption by 2.41% at no load and 17.53% at full load with increased the brake thermal efficiency by 2.61% at no load and 21.67% at full load contrasted with neat diesel operation. Noteworthy decline in unburned hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon-dioxide emissions and particulate matter with the exception of NO_x discharge is encountered. The addition of EGR controls this hike in NO_x with a slight decline in the performance characteristics. It is clear that the addition of HHO gas with biodiesel blends along with EGR in the test engine improved the overall characterization of engine.     

Performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a CI engine fueled with Pongamia pinnata methyl ester (PPME) and its blends with diesel

Transport vehicles greatly pollute the environment through emissions such as CO, CO₂, NO_x, SO_x, unburnt or partially burnt HC and particulate emissions. Fossil fuels are the chief contributors to urban air pollution and major source of green house gases (GHGs) and considered to be the prime cause behind the global climate change. Biofuels are renewable, can supplement fossil fuels, reduce GHGs and mitigate their adverse effects on the climate resulting from global warming. This paper presents the results of performance and emission analyses carried out in an unmodified diesel engine fueled with Pongamia pinnata methyl ester (PPME) and its blends with diesel. Engine tests have been conducted to get the comparative measures of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) and emissions such as CO, CO₂, HC, NO_x to evaluate the behaviour of PPME and diesel in varying proportions. The results reveal that blends of PPME with diesel up to 40% by volume (B40) provide better engine performance (BSFC and BSEC) and improved emission characteristics.     

Performance of jatropha oil blends in a diesel engine

Results are presented on tests on a single-cylinder direct-injection engine operating on diesel fuel, jatropha oil, and blends of diesel and jatropha oil in proportions of 97.4%/2.6%; 80%/20%; and 50%/50% by volume. The results covered a range of operating loads on the engine. Values are given for the chemical and physical properties of the fuels, brake specific fuel consumption, brake power, brake thermal efficiency, engine torque, and the concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen in the exhaust gases. Carbon dioxide emissions were similar for all fuels, the 97.4% diesel/2.6% jatropha fuel blend was observed to be the lower net contributor to the atmospheric level. The trend of carbon monoxide emissions was similar for the fuels but diesel fuel showed slightly lower emissions to the atmosphere. The test showed that jatropha oil could be conveniently used as a diesel substitute in a diesel engine. The test further showed increases in brake thermal efficiency, brake power and reduction of specific fuel consumption for jatropha oil and its blends with diesel generally, but the most significant conclusion from the study is that the 97.4% diesel/2.6% jatropha fuel blend produced maximum values of the brake power and brake thermal efficiency as well as minimum values of the specific fuel consumption. The 97.4%/2.6% fuel blend yielded the highest cetane number and even better engine performance than the diesel fuel suggesting that jatropha oil can be used as an ignition-accelerator additive for diesel fuel.     

Performance of rapeseed oil blends in a diesel engine

The concept that 100% vegetable oil cannot be used safely in a direct-injection diesel engine for long periods of time has been stressed by many researchers. Short-term engine tests indicate good potential for vegetable oil fuels. Long-term endurance tests may show serious problems in injector coking, ring sticking, gum formation, and thickening of lubricating oil. These problems are related to the high viscosity and nonvolatility of vegetable oils, which cause inadequate fuel atomization and incomplete combustion. Fuel blending is one method of reducing viscosity. This paper presents the results of an engine test on three fuel blends. Test runs were also made on neat rapeseed oil and diesel fuel as bases for comparison. There were no significant problems with engine operation using these alternative fuels. The test results showed increases in brake thermal efficiency as the amount of rapeseed oil in the blends increases. Reduction of power-output was also noted with increased amount of rapeseed oil in the blends. Test results include data on performance and gaseous emissions. Crankcase oil analyses showed a reduction in viscosity. Friction power was noted to increase as the amount of diesel fuel in the blend increases.