Comparative analysis of combustion and heat release characteristics of Alexandrian Laurel methyl ester fueled VCR DI diesel engine

Abstract

This work explores the comparative analysis of some important characteristics related to combustion and heat release of a four stroke diesel engine, using Alexandrian Laurel methyl ester. The diesel-methyl ester blends were in the ratio of 05:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, and 30:70 by volume and were designated as AL05, AL10, AL15, AL20, AL25, and AL30, respectively. Under steady state conditions, the experimentation was carried out at constant speed. The characteristics such as cylinder pressure, rate of pressure rise, mass fraction burned, heat release rate, cumulative heat release, and mean gas temperature of methyl ester blends were studied. Higher maximum cylinder pressures were observed for methyl ester blends. The mass fraction burned was better for the AL20 blend, but with an increase in methyl ester concentration, the mass fraction burned decreased. The heat release rate of diesel at all compression ratios was found to be the maximum compared to methyl ester blends. The combustion and heat release characteristics indicate that Alexandrian Laurel methyl ester has the properties that make it an attainable additive to conventional fossil diesel.