Analysis on performance, emission and combustion characteristics of diesel engine fueled with methyl–ethyl esters

Abstract

In this experimental study, performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics of methyl/ethyl esters of pongamia, ethyl esters of neem and diesel blends in a diesel engine were experimentally investigated. For this study, methyl esters of pongamia, ethyl esters of pongamia, and ethyl esters of neem were added to diesel by volume of 20% (B20), 40% (B40), 60% (B60) and 80% (B80), as well as pure blend (B100). Fuels were tested in single cylinder, water-cooled, direct injection kirloskar diesel engine loaded by eddy current dynamometer. The effect of blends on engine performance, exhaust emissions, and combustion were examined at different loads. It was clear, up to 40% of methyl/ethyl ester did not affect the brake thermal efficiency. On the other hand, HC emission decreased by 1.3% for B40 in comparison with base diesel operation in engine. At the same time, smoke emissions were also reduced by 1.2% compared to diesel engine fuelled with B40 blend. It was proved that B40 is a best blend ratio compared to B60, B80, and B100. The overall combustion characteristics of B40 bio diesel were similar to base diesel. The maximum cylinder pressure for B40 bio diesel was slightly less compared to maximum cylinder pressure of base diesel at the same operating condition. The heat release rate and cumulative heat release rate are higher for base diesel compared to B40 bio diesel operating at full load condition.