Experimental investigation of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L) seed oil as a novel promising feedstock for the CI engine

Abstract

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed oil is a novel renewable energy resource for synthesis of biodiesel. In the current research work, chia seed oil methyl ester (CSME) was synthesized by transesterification using an alkaline catalyst (CH3ONa-0.42%) and alcohol (methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1) at 65 °C, which yields 96.58%. The synthesized CSME was characterized by GC-MS and FTIR analysis. Effect of various CSME biodiesel-diesels blends (CSME10, 20 and 30) on engine performance, exhaust emission, and combustion was studied at various engine loads. The obtained results reveal that maximum brake thermal efficiency (BTE) using CSME10 was observed to be 30.29%, which is closer to diesel fuel (DF). Similarly, the brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) of the diesel engine using CSME10 increased only by 2.14%, whereas using CSME20 and CSME30, the BSEC increased to about 4.55% and 8.16%, respectively. The combustion parameters showed a maximum reduction in cylinder pressure and cumulative heat release rate as 1.87% and 1.32%, respectively, for CSME10 as compared to DF. The emissions showed significant reductions of NOx, HC, CO, and smoke as 1.24%, 1.51%, 3.03%, and 2.14%, respectively, with CSME10 as compared to DF. Therefore, CSME10 is the optimal alternative fuel for diesel engines.