Experimental investigation of algae biofuel–diesel blends on performance of a CRDI diesel engine

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the investigations carried on a common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine using algae biofuel–diesel blends. The algae biofuel–diesel blends considered were B10 and B15 (10% and 15% of algae biofuel are mixed with diesel on volumetric basis). The tests were conducted on CRDI diesel engine operated at a constant speed of 1500 rpm by varying the fuel injection pressure (FIP) from 600 to 1050 bar in steps of 150 bar. The results demonstrate that at high fuel injection pressure, i.e. 1050 bar, brake thermal efficiency (BTE) is highest and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is lowest when compared to other injection pressures. CO and HC emissions and smoke density significantly decreased with increase in injection pressures. However, NOx emissions are shown to be increased.