Experimental Investigation on the Performance, Emission and Combustion Characteristics of DI Diesel Engine With Linseed Methyl Ester Along With Methanol Carburization

Abstract

The present day energy crisis and ever increasing demand for the fuels in addition with the global pollution scenario had led to the search for renewable, pollution free, bio-degradable fuels that are safe to use. Bio-diesels are an optimum solution for this problem. Bio-diesels are derived from triglycerides of vegetable oils like coconut, linseed and cottonseed etc. Vegetable oils cannot be used directly because of their high viscosity, hence the triglycerides of the vegetables are converted into simpler molecules through transesterification process. In our investigation, the fuel consumption and emission characteristics of DI diesel engine using Linseed Methyl Ester (LSME) at different loads are studied. In addition to LSME, methanol is also added through carburetorat varying throttle openings and the fuel consumption and exhaust gases characteristics are captured. These values are compared with ordinary diesel available in the market. It is observed that Methanol carburization minimized CO and HC emissions. It is also observed that LSME provided closer performance and lower emissions when compared to conventional diesel.