Experimental study of the transient properties of a diesel and castor biodiesel blend in a mini boiler with the optimal combustion efficiency

Abstract

The researcher looks into alternative fuels because petroleum fuel is becoming increasingly scarce and energy demand is rising as a result of population expansion. In this work, experimental investigation of the transient characteristics of castor biodiesel and diesel is conducted. Castor crude oil was extracted with a Soxhlet apparatus. The crude oil is then transformed into biodiesel using potassium hydroxide as a catalyst in the esterification process. Different experimental procedures are employed for the small boiler (VITOLA 200) to ascertain the combustion performance, emission characteristics, and thermal efficiency with regard to time for blends of 10%, 20%, and 30% castor biodiesel. The results are then compared to 100% diesel fuel combustion performances. By setting the boiler pressure, mass flow rate, and damper opening to 200 kPa, 1.25 kg hr−1, and 41/2, respectively, the experiment tests are carried out. The outcomes demonstrated that the antioxidant from moringa increased the stability of the castor biodiesel blend’s combustion, resulting in an increase in cetane number to 56.61, which was significantly higher than the minimum cetane number (37.55) required to have good ignition. Furthermore, the 30% castor biodiesel blend results in a boiler with a maximum thermal efficiency of 63.25%. Additionally, a 30% castor biodiesel blend can reduce CO2 and HC emissions by 27.53% and 15.2%, respectively. Since the boiler uses heavy fuels, the investigation found that gasoline can be substituted with a blend of castor biodiesel and moringa antioxidant fuel. This seems like a promising way to lower greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously improving the boiler’s overall efficiency.