Energy, exergy and emission [3E] analysis of Mesua Ferrea seed oil biodiesel fueled diesel engine at variable injection timings

Abstract

Biofuels can be used in diesel engine for power generation to address the twin problems: fossil fuel depletion and the rise of pollution. In this regard, the present work explores the possibility of enhancement of performance of Mesua Ferrea seed oil biodiesel run diesel Engine through operation at different injection timings and load settings. The investigation is carried out through energy, exergy, and emission (3E) analysis. For experimentation, a research test engine of 3.5 kW is considered. Four injection timings (20° bTDC, 23° bTDC, 25° bTDC, 28° bTDC) and five load settings (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) were taken for the test. The results indicate that the retarded injection timing of 20° bTDC results in an improvement of fuel conversion efficiency, as well as a lowering of both exergy destruction and emissions for Mesua Ferrea seed oil biodiesel, run a diesel engine. At injection timing of 20° bTDC for 100% load, the maximum brake thermal efficiencies and maximum exergetic efficiency were found to be 26.11% and 30.32%, respectively under biodiesel mode as compared to 27.76% and 30.74%, respectively for diesel mode. For the same injection timing, the average drop in CO, CO2, and HC emissions were found to be 46.22%, 1.62%, and 39.67%, respectively whereas the average increase of NOX emission was found to be 8.08% in comparison to diesel mode.