Potential and Challenges of Using Biodiesel in a Compression Ignition Engine

Abstract

AbstractAlternative green fuels play a vital role in meeting the energy demand. Biodiesel has been recognized as a sustainable low-carbon alternative fuel for diesel engines. This chapter reviews the potential and various challenges associated with the use of biodiesel as a fuel in a compression ignition engine. The chapter further reviews various thermo-physical–chemical properties of biodiesel and their significant effects on combustion characteristics like cylinder pressure, rate of pressure rise, mean gas temperature, and engine performance parameters including Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), and Brake power (BP). Moreover, engine emissions and various emission control techniques i.e. blending of fuels, hardware modifications in engines are thoroughly reviewed. The literature reports the use of different refined oils and feedstocks to produce biodiesel utilizing different methods e.g., pyrolysis, wet washing, blending or direct use, transesterification, and microemulsions. But still, considerable efforts are needed for the commercialization of biodiesels due to their properties of higher viscosity, corrosivity, and less stable nature. So, the present work concludes with an optimized approach to consider the potentiate biodiesel as a fuel in CI engines.KeywordsBiodieselPotentialChallengesEngineModifications