Combustion characteristics of sugar apple seed (Annona squamosa) oil methyl ester and its blends on compression ignition engine

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this present investigation, sugar apple seed (Annona squamosa) oil methyl ester (SASOME) is selected for test on the diesel engine and its suitability as an alternative fuel is examined. The viscosity of the SASOME is reduced by blending with diesel in the proportion of 25/75%, 50/50%, 75/25% and 100/0% on volume basis, then compared with diesel fuel. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of fraction of methyl ester in the blends on performance, emission and combustion parameters. The 50% blend shows 6.68% increase in BTE compared to diesel fuel. The reduction in UBC and CO is observed with 50% blend along with increased NO x emissions compared to diesel fuel. The results show the higher value of cylinder pressure, net heat release rate, cumulative heat release rate, mean gas temperature, mass fraction burned and rate of pressure rise with 50% blend compared to that of diesel fuel. Abbreviations: CHRR, cumulative heat release rate; CO, carbon monoxide; CP, cylinder pressure; HBC, unburnt hydrocarbons; MFB, mass fraction burned; MGT, maximum gas temperature; NHRR, net heat release rate; NO x , oxides of nitrogen; RPR, rate of pressure rise; SASOME, sugar apple seed oil methyl ester; %, percentage