Abstract
A two-step transesterification process was employed in the biodiesel production from non-edible Alexandrian Laurel. The key physicochemical properties of the Alexandrian Laurel biodiesel (ALB), diesel and blends of both fuels were compared and analyzed. The effects of blending biodiesel (ALB) and petroleum diesel on engine performance, combustion and exhaust emissions were investigated in a turbocharged, high-pressure common-rail diesel engine under six different speed operations and at full load conditions. The test fuels comprised a conventional diesel fuel and four different fuel blends of ALB. The results showed relatively close physicochemical properties of ALB and its blends when compared with petroleum diesel. However, the use of ALB-blended fuel resulted in penalties engine brake power, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) despite slightly improved brake thermal efficiency (BTE). Brake specific nitrogen oxide (BSNOx) was found worsened with higher ALB content in the blends. Nonetheless, consistent improvements in brake specific carbon monoxide (BSCO), brake specific carbon dioxide (BSCO2), and smoke were noticed when ALB blends were used. Additionally, ALB blends contributed to reduction in peak combustion pressure, peak heat release rate (HRR) and combustion duration. In general, the findings suggest satisfactory operation with ALB biodiesel-diesel blends in an unmodified diesel engine.
Highlights
Nowadays, people all around the world are forming a single community due to their shared strong demand for energy to fulfill their daily needs [1]
Cetane number, which is influential on engine performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics, was found to be relatively higher for all biodiesel blends
The carbon monoxide (CO), CO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were converted into brake specific emissions by using the following equations according to SAE J177: BSCO2 (g/kWhr) = 10 × CO2 (% vol) × Exhaust mass flow rate × 60/Brake power (1)
Summary
People all around the world are forming a single community due to their shared strong demand for energy to fulfill their daily needs [1]. Renewable and non-toxic biodiesel, usually derived from plants and animal fats as a substitute of petroleum diesel is claimed to be the most promising solution to limit the conventional diesel fuel, in transportation [12,13] In this quest, the most successful method found is to replace a part of the fossil diesel with the biodiesel through blending of both fuels [14,15]. Potentials of Alexandrian Laurel as a biodiesel can be seen from its high survival potency and wide availability in South East Asia, India and Australia [35] It exhibits relatively higher oil yield compared to other non-edible feedstocks [36]. The unit of g/kWhr was used for engine emissions instead of ppm
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