Abstract

This chapter mainly focuses on the production of biodiesel from mahua oil and the study its performance, combustion, and emission characteristics as a fuel in a diesel engine. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design is used to optimize the transesterification parameters. The maximum biodiesel yield of 95.4% was obtained at optimum conditions of 9:1M ratio, 1.25% catalyst, 45°C temperature for 120min and 800rpm stirrer speed. For the engine study, the performance characteristics at a rated load revealed that the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) decreased with increasing the biodiesel concentration. BTE obtained for mahua biodiesel (B100) was 3.5% lesser compared to diesel due to its higher viscosity and lower calorific value. Brake specific energy consumption for mahua biodiesel (B100) was 36% higher than diesel. Ignition delay for the biodiesel was lower than diesel due to higher oxygen availability in biodiesel. Unburnt hydrocarbon (UBHC) and smoke (FSN) emission were decreased by 22% and 23% compared to diesel at rated load. Nitric oxide (NO) emission was increased with increasing biodiesel concentration. At rated load, NO emission for mahua biodiesel was 6% higher than diesel. Higher oxygen content and complete combustion will lead to lower unburnt hydrocarbon and smoke emission for biodiesel and its blends compared to diesel.

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