Irrigation Power Unit Performance, Efficiency, and NOx Emissions with Petroleum Diesel, Biodiesel, and Biodiesel Blends

Abstract

This study compared performance, fuel efficiency, and NOX emissions of a 67-kW irrigation power unit fueled with No. 2 ULSD petroleum diesel (D2), a 20% biodiesel blend (B20), a 50% biodiesel blend (B50), and neat biodiesel (B100) at rated engine speed (2400 rpm) and at typical pumping speed (1800 rpm). At rated speed, there were no differences between D2 and B20 in engine torque, power, or brake specific fuel consumption. There were no differences between the four fuels in thermal efficiency or brake specific NOX emissions. At 1800 rpm there were no differences between D2 and B20 in engine power or torque; however, torque and power decreased with B50 and B100. Brake specific fuel consumption increased as the percentage of biodiesel increased, but there was no difference between the four fuels in thermal efficiency. Finally, there was no difference between D2 and the biodiesel blends or neat biodiesel in brake specific NOX emissions. Based on these results, B20 is recommended as the optimal biodiesel blend for this and similar irrigation power units.