Effect of Combustion Chamber Design on a DI Diesel Engine Fuelled with Jatropha Methyl Esters Blends with Diesel

Abstract

In this paper a single cylinder constant speed air-cooled four-stroke direct injection diesel engine of 4.4kW is selected for the experimental investigations to evaluate the performance and emission characteristics fuelled with Jatropha oil (JTME), and its blends (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). The performance parameters are analyzed include Brake thermal efficiency whereas exhaust emissions include oxides of nitrogen, HC, Smoke and CO. The results of the experiment in each case were compared with baseline data of diesel fuel. It concluded that lower blend of biodiesel 20% JTME act as best alternative fuel among all tested fuel at full load condition.The experimental investigations on the effect of 20% Jatropha methyl esters (JTME) with diesel on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engine with different combustion chamber geometries (Spherical, toroidal and Re-entrant).Brake thermal efficiency for toroidal combustion chamber was found higher than that of other two combustion chambers. Smoke density, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons was observed slightly lower for toroidal combustion chamber compared to the other two but those are lower when compared with standard diesel (SCC). However, nitrogen oxides were slightly lower for toroidal combustion chamber compared to the other two but it is higher when compared with standard diesel (SCC).