Optimization of Esters of Nerium Biodiesel in a Diesel Engine

Abstract

The methyl and ethyl esters of vegetable oils, known as biodiesel are becoming increasingly popular because of their low environmental impact and potential as a green alternative fuel for diesel engine. In the present work, methyl and ethyl esters of nerium oil were prepared by transesterification using both methanol and ethanol. However, viscosity of ethyl esters of nerium oil (EEON) was slightly higher than that of methyl esters of nerium oil (MEON). A single cylinder stationary kirloskar engine is used to compare the Performance and Emission and Combustion characteristics between pure diesel and nerium blends. The nerium oil blends are in percentage of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of nerium oil to 80%, 60%, 40%, 20% and 0% of diesel. Results show that methyl esters of nerium oil (MEON) produced slightly higher efficiency than ethyl esters of nerium oil (EEON). Exhaust emissions and Combustion characteristics of methyl esters of nerium oil (MEON) were also higher than ethyl esters of nerium oil (EEON). Hence methyl and ethyl esters of nerium blend can be used in existing diesel engines without compromising the engine performance.