Effects of Incomplete Transesterification Reaction of Palm Oil Biodiesel on Fuel Quality and Engine Performance

Abstract

This study investigates how an incomplete tranesterification reaction influences the parameters of quality standards of the produced biodiesel engine performance and exhausts. The parameters evaluated include viscosity, cloud point, acid number and heating value. Biodiesels produced from palm oil were examined in terms of engine performance, where the 3-liter engine with a 4 cylinders 4 strokes, was used. The proportion of methyl ester in biodiesel was varied by adding appropriate amounts of triglyceride. Properties of biodiesel with the methyl ester between 75% and 96.8% by mass were tested against the standard diesel. The engine performance and thermal efficiency when using biodiesels of different qualities were determined under the operating engine speed range between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. It was found that while the cloud point was raised with methyl ester content the viscosity was decreased. In terms of engine performance, greater proportion of methyl ester provides greater fuel conversion efficiency as well as specific fuel consumption rate. Incomplete conversion of triglyceride to methyl ester, which led to lower methyl ester content, significantly affected the engine performance and emissions. In overall, biodiesel with higher methyl ester content provided better engine performance and exhaust quality.