Effects of Mixing Two Non-edible Biodiesels on Performance and Emission of CI Engine

Abstract

AbstractThe transportation sector is dominated by compression ignition (CI) engines. Their high power output, portability, efficiency, and overall prevalence in vehicles have resulted in their status as the largest petroleum consumer in any field. The present research aims to reduce petroleum reliance by using biodiesel as an alternative fuel to diesel in the CI engine. As a renewable, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, biodiesel requires thorough investigation under operational conditions. The studies on the mixture of diesel and single biodiesel have been carried out for most available plant and animal sources. With the combination of two different biodiesel blends with diesel, very little work has been done, and much potential has been left in this region. This investigation involves examining a 50:50 mixture of biodiesels extracted from non-edible Pongamia pinnata and Neem plant seed oil to blend with diesel. An acid catalyst chemically treats both non-edible oils before transesterification and reduces their free fatty acid (FFA) content. The results show that blends B10 to B30 have better or adjacent values with conventional diesel in fuel consumption and thermal efficiency. With all biodiesel blends, CO and HC emissions were reported to be reduced than that of diesel. As biodiesel is constituted of more oxygen molecules it enables better combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber. The emission of NOX is slightly higher in biodiesel blends when compared with diesel. In conclusion, dual biodiesel blends up to 30%, could be used as substitute to diesel in a conventional CI engine without significantly altering the engine and compromising on the engine's performance and emissions.KeywordsDual biodieselPongamia pinnataNeemTransesterificationEngine performanceExhaust emissions