Assessment of Indian black berry biodiesel characterisation and its suitability for the diesel engine applications with oxygenated fuel additives

Abstract

The current study explores the novel biodiesel prepared from Indian blackberry seed oil by transesterification and characterisation for IBBME20 (20% Indian Black Berry Methyl Ester and 80% biodiesel). Further studies compiled on adding 5% and 10% of diethyl ether (DEE) and di-n-butyl ether (DBE) to IBBME 20 on a volume basis. Characterisation of test fuels with oxygenated additives revealed enhanced fuel properties. The results show a 5.4% increase in BTE for the 10% addition of DBE to the IBBME20 blend. Also, the engine tailpipe emissions, such as HC, CO and smoke opacity, are reduced significantly by 17.5%, 44.59% and 21.11% %, respectively, at full load for the IBBME 20 DBE 10 when contrasted with diesel. Furthermore, the NOX emissions are reduced by 3.42% and 2.1% for the IBBME 20 DBE 10 blend and IBBME 20 DEE 10 blend, respectively compared to the IBBME 20.