Effect of microalgae biodiesel blending on diesel engine characteristics

Abstract

AbstractThe current numerical work investigates the effect of using algae methyl ester (AME) blends with diesel fuel on diesel engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. Five volumetric blends of biodiesel drived from spirulina algae (20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% AME) have been examined numerically with help of Diesel‐RK and compared with diesel fuel. As a result of investigations, the addition of AME blends reduces the cylinder pressure and shifts it closer to Top Dead Center. The heat release rate reduced as the percentage of AME increased, whereas 30% AME reduces the heat release by 9.96%. All blends of AME to diesel decrease brake thermal efficiency (BTE) slightly and increase brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC), whereas using 30% AME reduces BTE 1.09% and increases BSFC 5.89% compared with diesel. The shorter delay time is observed by using the proposed AME blends recording reduction in the delay period starting from 18.23% up to 65.77%. Bosch smoke number decreases as a result of AME addition recording a 17.19% reduction in case of 30% AME while it increased after 70% AME. Promising reduction in SO2 emissions compared with diesel observed by an average of 14.08%, 21.78%, 38.41%, 56.28%, and 84.07% when using 20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% AME, respectively. Slight increase in CO2 emissions within the range of 1.17%–6.22% when using AME blends between 20% and 100%. On the basis of the main findings, the 30% AME biodiesel was noticed as the most excellent mixing proportion. The main contribution focuses on “How spirulina microalgae biodiesel can enhance the characteristics of a diesel engine.” The obtained results are compared with the findings of other studies.