Karanja Biodiesel Research Articles

Mathematical Modeling and Comparative Analysis of Noise and Vibration Characteristics of CI Engine Fueled with Biodiesel

As an alternative to fossil fuels, renewable energy has the potential to replace diesel in CI engines, and therefore biodiesels such as nahar, jatropha, karanja, etc. are being used as a blend with diesel in CI engines. Since biodiesel is a sustainable fuel, numerous researchers have evaluated and contrasted its performance attributes with those of diesel. The end user’s comfort and level of fatigue following the usage of biodiesel blended with diesel, however, is an interesting area that requires further investigation. The current study aims to investigate the noise and vibration characteristics of unmodified and constant-speed CI engines powered by jatropha, nahar, or karanja biodiesel as a blend with diesel and also developed a mathematical model for noise and vibration responses. The vibration and sound pressure level were recorded using the FFT analyzer Brüel & Kjær Photon+ portable measuring system with RTPro software for different input parameters such as load, density, flash point, and calorific value at different levels for diesel D100 and biodiesel blends. Mathematical non-linear model was developed to predict the relationship between fuel properties and engine noise-vibration characteristics because the R square and adj. R square values of model is found to be close to each other. However, higher adj. R square value and p-value within 0.05 are the good criteria for selection of model.

Evaluation of Statistical and Machine Learning Analysis on CRDI Engine using Ternary Fuel doped with Cerium Oxide Nanoadditives

At present, diesel engines are confronted with the formidable task of reconciling aggressive emission regulations with the preservation of intended engine performance. In order to tackle this concern, India can implement a comprehensive strategy that includes waste reduction, recycling programs, and the innovative use of waste-to-energy technologies. The potential synergistic effects of combining fuel mixtures with cerium oxide nanoparticles in CRDI diesel engines remain unexplored. This study employs response surface methodology and MLP regression to investigate these effects. This study explores the experimental design includes variation in blend ratios of karanja biodiesel (upto 20 %), compression ratios (18–22), and injection pressure (400–1200 bar), as well as CeO2 nanoparticle concentrations (50–150 ppm) using 10 % biobutanol. A combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques is used to assess and optimise the influence of diverse process parameters on engine responses. The machine learning processor (MLP) regressor model is more capable of forecasting engine responses than RSM modelling, as it has lower MAE, RMSE, and higher R2 values. According to the study, the best blend ratio, CR, Injection Pressure, and CeO2 concentration for the best performance and lowest emissions are 9.97 % biodiesel blend, CR of 20, an injection pressure of 797.4 bar, and CeO2 nanoparticle concentration of 100.1 ppm. The MAE value of the MLP regressor-based model ranged from 0.0011 to 0.0119. In terms of RMSE, MLP regressor-based model outputs are within reasonable boundaries. This study highlights the optimization of engine operating parameters and the application of nanotechnology in biodiesel blends. These findings can lead to the development of durable and eco-friendly fuel alternatives for internal combustion engines, promoting sustainable transportation.

Biodiesel production and exploring properties of Datura stramonium L. oil with its optimization using combined approaches-Taguchi, grey relational analysis, and response surface methodology.

Biodiesel production through the synthesis of Datura stramonium L. oil is studied to explore the most efficient approaches to suggest an alternate feedstock for biodiesel production. The main objective of this work is to optimize the process variables of biodiesel synthesis by using some statistical approach (Taguchi method, grey relational analysis (GRA), and response surface methodology (RSM) analyzing three parameters, i.e., alcohol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst (NaOH) concentration, and process temperature for achieving maximum biodiesel derived from Datura stramonium L. oil. The transesterification process is applied by using an ultrasonic-assisted technique. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was successfully applied with the Taguchi method resulting in the optimum combination of A2B1C1. Based on the findings, the best operating conditions for transesterifying are attained with the RSM approach consisting of a 5.697:1 molar ratio (level 2), 0.3 (wt.%) NaOH concentration (level 1), and 70 °C process temperature (level 1). With a value of 87.02%, these ideal operating conditions produce the maximum yield as compared to grey relational analysis (GRA) yields 83.99%. The obtained results have been verified through the characterization of oil and biodiesel as well. Also, the fuel qualities of DSL biodiesel were identified and assessed. DSL oil was found 137.6 degrees of unsaturation during fatty acid profile analysis. DSL biodiesel was found the best kinematic viscosity (4.2 mm2/s) and acid value (0.49) when compared to Karanja and palm biodiesel. D. stramonium L. was recognized as a suitable species for biodiesel feedstock according to the findings.

Analysis and optimisation of emissions and fuel economy of biodiesel fuelled CI engine using Taguchi technique

The objectives of the present work are to examine the combined effect of engine operating and injection parameters and to optimise these parameters for better fuel economy, performance, and reduced emissions. The fuels used were diesel and biodiesel blends of Jatropha and Karanja biodiesel. The results indicate that diesel gives higher thermal efficiency at low loads, however, the 20% jatropha blend was slightly more efficient, at high loads. It was observed that the BSFC increases when the EGR is varied from 0% to 20%. Even though the smoke opacity increases with increased EGR, advanced injection at 28o BTDC decreases smoke. Increased EGR also reduced NOx emissions by up to 11%. Blending also has a significant impact on the output parameters. Taguchi analysis was applied to optimise the performance and emission characteristics of the diesel engine and set of input values were obtained for the optimum performance under different conditions.

Performance and emission analysis of Karanja biodiesel using variable compression ratio engine

Performance and emission analysis of Karanja biodiesel using variable compression ratio engine

Emission characteristics of diesel engines fuelled with B20 with different DPF, DOC and EGR arrangements

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, pre- and post-combustion techniques are adopted for diesel engines. This work focuses on optimisation of engine performance powered with biodiesel B20 blend by incorporating pre- and post-combustion techniques addressing emission from diesel engines within acceptable norms. In pre-combustion techniques, Karanja biodiesel with two proportions (B10 and B20) is injected along with diesel and exhaust gas recirculation with varied flow rates is used to address NOx emissions. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) are fitted in the exhaust pipe of the engine. Initial test runs were conducted on engine using diesel with 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% EGR when DPF and DOC are positioned according to three arrangements. After optimising position of EGR, DPF and DOC, the engine was fuelled with B10 and B20 to study performance and emissions at different EGR rates with and without these devices. Results indicated changes in overall performance with injection of biodiesel; reduction in unburnt hydrocarbon by 43.9%, smoke by 71.15%, NOx by 22.6% for 20% biodiesel fuelled engine with 10% EGR, DPF and DOC. B20 can be fuelled into diesel engine with suitable modifications, least emissions can be achieved with 10% EGR, DPF and DOC.

Direct injection diesel engine characteristics fuelled with diesel, biodiesel and 1-butanol blends

The current study concentrated on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a direct injection diesel engine. The experiments were carried out on single cylinder Kirloskar make TV-1 diesel engine test-rig. The blends were made using equal parts of Karanja biodiesel (Pongamia pinnata) and 1-butanol with plain diesel. For the experiment, five mixes were investigated at constant speed of 1500 rpm and varying loading condition from no load to full load in 25 % steps. The properties of the mixtures considered are within the permissible ASTM limits. The study revealed that performance characteristics such as brake thermal efficiency, mechanical efficiency are observed highest for D80K10B10 blend at 100 % BP and BSEC at 25 % BP for D80K20 blend. No appreciable variations are observed in volumetric efficiencies and concentration of 1-Butanol showed greater reduction in EGT amongst others. Highest CO emission reduction to 53 % whereas 31 % CO2 increases and HC, and NOx emissions are observed marginally increased. Long term test and energy-exergy analysis should be required to get more in insights from the research.

Split injection strategy control map development through prediction-based calibration approach to improve the biodiesel-fuelled diesel engine characteristics.

Karanja oil blended with diesel acts as a good alternative for a CI engine due to its low emission and high oxygen content as compared to pure diesel which leads to the non-toxic and biodegradable nature of the fuel. The objective of this project is to enhance the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine that runs on biofuel by accurately calibrating its fuel injector control parameters. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on creating optimal split injector control maps using a novel global model-based calibration approach that considers the entire range of engine speed-load conditions. To develop the model, the experimentation was conducted using the I-optimal design of the experiment technique. To establish a relationship between the calibration parameters and engine performance parameters based on experimental data, the study employed response surface methodology (RSM). With the support of a developed model and multi-objective optimization approach under equivalent importance to performance and emissions, the optimum injector control points are derived. For the developed engine map for 20% KBD (Karanja bio-diesel)-blended fuel, the BTE (brake thermal efficiency) reaches up to 30% and lower BSFC (brake specific fuel consumption) of 0.37 kg/kW-hr. After optimization, the split injector control map showed significant improvements over the un-optimized map. At 19 Nm and 3000 rpm, the optimized map resulted in a 31.36% increase in BTE and a 29.31% decrease in BSFC. Moreover, the optimization successfully balanced the trade-off between reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and smoke emissions. However, the optimized fuel map for 20% KBD-blended fuel shows slightly lower performance compared to diesel fuel. While the optimization process led to a decrease in smoke emissions about 22.3%, it also resulted in elevated NOx emissions about 9.83% when compared to diesel fuel. Furthermore, emissions of CO and HC are reduced by 12.8% and 19.2%, respectively, in an optimized control map of 20% KBD-blended fuel compared to un-optimized map.

Use of Taguchi method for optimizing engine parameters of Variable Compression Ratio Diesel Engine using Cocklebur seed oil biodiesel blended with Karanja oil biodiesel

The sources of fossil fuels are depleting, their prices are increasing also harmful emissions are disturbing nature cycle, so necessity of using alternative fuels is increasing. Biodiesel stands as significant alternative fuel to diesel as thermophysical properties of biodiesel are nearer to diesel and it can be used in VCR diesel engines efficiently with proper selection of engine variables. The purpose of experimentation is to study the effect on thermal performance and emissions of Karanja oil biodiesel due to addition of Cocklebur biodiesel. In the present research work experimentation is conducted by blending Cocklebur seed oil biodiesel (20%) with Karanja oil biodiesel (80%) in VCR diesel engine altering engine variables CR, IP, IT and EGR for determining optimum conditions with best thermal performance, least emissions and compare with Karanja oil biodiesel. Taguchi Design L9 (34) Orthogonal array is applied for maximum BTE, minimum BSEC along with minimum pollutants like CO, HC, smoke and NOx. It is found that Engine operating variables are same for both the fuels except IP. It is concluded that BTE increases by 0.98% when 20% Cocklebur biodiesel is blended with Karanja biodiesel.

An Experimental Study on the Influence of Blended Karanja Biodiesel on Diesel Engine Characteristics

The primary source of global warming is the exploitation of fossil fuels. Biodiesel is a renewable energy source that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has emerged as a promising alternative to petroleum-based fuels due to its lower carbon footprint. However, it is important to note that the economic and energy output of vegetable oil plants that are involved in the production of this fuel is not known. Current research trends on biodiesel fuels have been investigated on non-edible oils, which present better performance when blended with diesel. This work studies the performance of karanja-based biodiesel on VCR engines with different Diesel Blending Ratio (DBR) of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. Engine performance and exhaust gas analysis tests are carried out on a VCR-diesel engine at various loads to examine specific characteristics of karanja biodiesel as a fuel. As per observations, DBR 10%, 20% of biodiesel exhibited better performance than the other blended fuels. To enhance the performance of DBR 10% and 20% biodiesel were graded up with the addition of 5% Methanol. The overall performance of all blended fuels is compared in all aspects.

Energy outputs and emissions of biodiesels as a function of coolant temperature and composition

Strict emission legislation forced engine manufacturers to replace fossil diesel with sustainable biofuels. Biodiesel combustion produced lower thermal efficiency and higher nitric oxide (NO) emissions. The NO gas emissions depend on the saturated fatty acid (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) levels present in the plant oil. To overcome biodiesel combustion challenges, effective utilisation of engine waste heat could help in achieving high thermal efficiency and low emissions. Effects of biodiesel SFA and USFA levels, and engine coolant temperature on four different biodiesel types are studied. Lamb fat biodiesel (LFB), chicken fat biodiesel (CFB), waste cooking oil biodiesel (WCOB), and Karanja biodiesel (KB) were used. LFB and CFB have higher SFA%, whereas WCOB and KB have higher USFA%. The coolant temperature was varied from 65 °C to 85 °C at different engine loads. It was observed that with increased coolant temperatures, the brake thermal efficiency of the engine was increased by 4–5% with LFB and CFB compared to diesel, due to reduced heat losses and better oxy-fuel combustion. The NO and CO2 emissions for high SFA fuel (LFB and CFB) were reduced by 19–22% and 0.2–6%, respectively, as compared to USFA rich fuel (WCOB and KB) and diesel fuel. However, smoke emissions were found to be higher for CFB, WCOB, and KB than diesel, but LFB produced 4–6% less smoke than USFA (WCOB and KB) and diesel fuel. The study concludes that coolant temperature influences engine performance and pollutants, but use of appropriate SFA-level biodiesel could reduce emissions without compromising thermal efficiency.

Evaluation of karanja and safflower biodiesel on engine’s performance and emission characteristics along with nanoparticles in DI engine

Studies have demonstrated that biodiesel may be used as a suitable replacement for conventional diesel fuel due to its many advantages. Negative effects, such as low energy generation, increased fuel use, and NOx emissions, must be addressed, however. As a result, biodiesel with enhanced quality, performance, and emission characteristics can be achieved by the use of environmentally friendly nano-additives. Karanja and Safflower oil mixes were used in this study to determine the engine's performance and emissions. Engine speed ranging from 1200 rpm to 2400 rpm was employed on 20% and 40% fraction ratio of biodiesel along with nanoparticles to assess emission and performance metrics. Copper oxide nanoparticles of 50 ppm were blended with different biodiesel fractions through ultrasonication. At 2100 rpm, the brake power, NOx emissions, and smoke capacity were all found to be optimal. All blends' BTE and BSFC had not shown a significant difference from diesel. When the copper oxide nanoparticle was added to the engine, it improved the engine's combustion and performance characteristics, regardless of the engine speed. Karanja outperformed safflower biodiesel blends in terms of performance and emissions. There was no discernible difference between the two blends in terms of combustion noise. The use of nanoadditives decreases the combustion noise marginally as compared with biodiesel fuel. Researchers' findings demonstrate that the antioxidant properties of karanja and safflower improve performance in biodiesel blends.

Performance and Emission Characteristics for Karanja Biodiesel Blends Assisted With Green Hydrogen Fuel and Nanoparticles

Abstract Extensive efforts are being made to produce and use a variety of alternative energies in order to meet the rising global energy demand. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the mass fuel burnt, emissions, and performance properties of biodiesel made from non-edible karanja oil along with hydrogen and nanoparticles in a standard diesel engine. Upon experimental evaluation, it was determined that the transesterified karanja oil retained all of its vital physicochemical properties within the specified tolerances. The emission and performance characteristics of karanja biodiesel blended with nanoparticles and hydrogen fuel were assessed at different engine loads ranging from 0% to 100%. The uniform amount of nanoparticles and hydrogen was incorporated into test fuels. Al2O3 nanoparticles of 50 ppm were used in this study and hydrogen of 5 L/min was supplied to the engine. K20NH test fuel had the maximum brake thermal efficiency and less brake-specific fuel consumption compared to the other fuel blend. The emissions were considerably reduced on karanja oil, nanoparticles, and hydrogen-blended biodiesel except for nitrogen emission compared with conventional diesel fuel. In this study, the utilization of karanja, nanoparticles, and hydrogen-blended biodiesel showed a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to reduced emission and enhanced performance characteristics.

Effect of ethanol, propanol and butanol on karanja biodiesel with vegetable oil fuelled in a single cylinder diesel engine

There is a significant need for alternative fuels as a result of increased fuel usage and resource depletion. Esters made from vegetable oils, waste cooking oil and bio alcohols are majorly used in IC engines as a substitute. Coconut oil (Co) and sunflower oil (Su), which have sufficient productivity in India, biodiesel synthesized from karanja oil. In this study, fossil diesel (D) was mixed with karanja biodiesel (B), neat coconut oil and sunflower oil along with ethanol (Et), propanol (Pr) and n-butanol (Bu) alcohols was used. Quinary fuel blends of DB, DBCoSuEt, DBCoSuPr and DBCoSuBu were prepared. The physio-chemical properties of blends were tested and performance and emission tests were carried out on a single cylinder four stroke diesel engine. The results indicate that DBCoSuPr fuel combination increases brake thermal efficiency by 9.2% and DBCoSuEt fuel decreases HC and CO emissions by 37.2% and 53.93% respectively.

Optimizing biodiesel blends with green hydrogen fuel: A study on combustion duration, fuel mass burnt, engine performance and emissions

Although the combustion of petroleum-based fuels currently satisfies the majority of our energy needs, rapid industrialization has spurred the utilization of alternative energy sources to meet the growing demand for electricity. With the global population on the rise and increasing awareness of the dangers of climate change, there is a greater need to find sustainable and eco-friendly fuels. Utilizing biodiesel derived from non-edible sources is the most efficient and appealing option for meeting energy needs while mitigating environmental impacts. This paper focuses on the preparation and experimental analysis of biodiesel from Karanja oil. Various blends of Karanja biodiesel and regular diesel were produced and stirred to create KB10 (Diesel 90% + Karanja Biodiesel 10%) and KB20 (Diesel 80 % + Karanja Biodiesel 20%). Hydrogen was incorporated into the biodiesel to enhance fuel characteristics, delivered at a rate of 5 L per minute. The emissions and combustion results of the biodiesel blends were compared to those of pure diesel. At full load condition, KB10H5 reported the minimum combustion duration of 25.8°CA with mass fraction burnt of 17.8%. However, the biodiesel blend with 10% and 20% reported the reduced BTE. Highest brake power has been observed at 4.95 kW. The combination of Karanja biodiesel and hydrogen improves fuel quality and reduces the harmful gases emissions such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It is crucial to ensure that the operation is both efficient and comfortable, and this approach achieved both objectives. In addition, hydrogen energy can also be applied to the railway transportation industry, as a new direction for the green and low-carbon development of intercity transportation, driving the virtuous cycle and innovative development of the hydrogen energy-related industrial chain.

Sustainable alternative fuel derived from different feedstocks and its comparative life cycle assessment

The objective of the current study is to extract oil and derive biodiesel from three different scenarios karanja (S1), algae (S2), and hybrid oil (S3), and further conduct the life cycle assessment (LCA) of derived biodiesel. Biodiesel derived from hybrid oil had higher oxidation stability than algae biodiesel and lower density and viscosity than karanja biodiesel. Additionally, using GREET software, comparative life cycle assessment studies were performed for all three scenarios. One kg of biodiesel output was used as the functional unit. The total emission of CO2 from biodiesel production in S1 is 2.03 kg, 1.60 kg in S2, and 1.85 kg in S3. Further, the environmental impact factor was calculated for all the scenarios. The EIF for scenario 1 was maximum, 0.235 followed by 0.1363 and 0.0989 for scenario 3 and scenario 2 respectively. The results of the overall effect evaluation showed that Algae or Hybrid biodiesel production is preferred to lower the emission and improve the biodiesel quality. More studies on life cycle costs and sensitivity analysis should be undertaken to assess economic viability and encourage sustainable biodiesel production.

Investigation and Study of Ammonium Hydroxide and Biodiesel Blend as an IC Engine Fuel

The use of conventional fossil fuel has resulted in global warming. Biodiesel is a substitute fuel obtained from vegetable oil by transesterification process which can replace conventional diesel. Good alternative to traditional hydrocarbon-based fuel is ammonia combined with a biofuel. Ammonia is free of Carbon and can be extracted from sustainable renewable energy sources. It can be used with slight modifications on current IC engines. However running the engine on pure ammonia poses a lot of challenges which needs to be tackled. Running the engine on Biodiesel results in slightly more NOx emission, compared with traditional fuel. In the present study an experimentation has been carried out to examine the effect of biodiesel and ammonium hydroxide blend on ICE performance, emission and combustion aspects, in terms of specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Carbon dioxide emissions. Biodiesel blends are examined using a single cylinder four stroke Kirloskar ICE. Experiments have been performed with varying percentages of ammonium hydroxide (3%, 6%, 9%) and B50 (50% diesel and 50% Karanja biodiesel) blended with Diesel and then compared with base line conventional diesel. This paper will help in understanding how percentage variation in ammonium hydroxide and biodiesel blend will effect emission and performance.

Thermodynamic Performance of an Engine by Modifying Piston Bowl Geometries Fuelled by SME-100, LA-100, KB-100 Biodiesel Blends, and Diesel

Simulation of Direct injection (DI) compressed ignition (CI) engine working on diesel thermodynamic cycle on diesel-Rk software carried out for evaluating the effect on thermal performance. The analysis of an engine was worked out by applying different bowl geometrical shapes and by testing with different fuels. Further same compositions were tested on an experimental test rig having a set-up of (compressed ignition, single cylinder, four strokes, air-cooled, direct injection) diesel engine at constant crank speed. Hemispherical (HCC), Shallow depth (SCC), Re-entrant (RCC), Double wedge shallow, and Toroidal (TCC) piston geometries were created in solid-work and analyzed with B-100 blend of SME (Soybean Methyl Ester), KB (Karanja Biodiesel), LA (Roselle Biodiesel) and diesel further they were analyzed and their effects have investigated experimentally and numerically at fully loaded condition, with a constant crank speed of 1500 rpm and by setting constant compression ratio at 17.5. BSFCs were higher by 21.03%, 12.97%, and 12.96% for SME100, KB100, and LA100 with hemispherical, toroidal, and re-entrant type combustion chambers compared with the diesel fuel. Indicated thermal efficiencies and ignition delay periods were reported slightly lower for different blends and pure biodiesel than diesel at specific load conditions whereas combustion durations were reported higher compared to diesel.

Effect of diesel engine modification operated with karanja biodiesel and its blends

• Increased biodiesel blends, such as B30 and B40, result in decreased engine performance (BTE) and higher smoke, HC and NOx emissions. • The B20 blend is an appealing alternative because it enhances engine performance while lowering emissions. • The country’s economy benefits from the substitution of fossil fuels for indigenous renewable and alternative fuels. • This alternative is more realistic because there are abundant resources of non-edible oil seeds for biodiesel preparation and biodiesel production costs are becoming more affordable. Growing attention in studying renewable and alternate fuels for internal combustion (IC) engines has been increased by concerns about improving engine performance while reducing emissions to satisfy EURO standards and to fulfil increasing energy demands for a growing population. Biodiesels are a possible replacement to diesel fuel since, they are renewable and have qualities similar to fossil diesel. For diesel engines, biodiesel generated from Karanja oil is a better diesel substitute. The use of alternative fuels in a CI (Compression ignition) engine reduces performance while also increasing hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) pollutants. However, making the engine entirely adiabatic by combining biodiesel with diesel and applying thermal barrier coatings (TBC) to the piston, cylinder wall, and inlet and outlet valves will improve overall engine performance. In light of this, TBC diesel engine components coated with partly stabilized zirconia (PSZ) and aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) ceramics were tested in a diesel engine using Karanja oil methyl ester (KOME) and its mixtures. Both diesel and KOME and its blends had their brake thermal efficiency (BTE) emissions measured before and after coating, and the obtained results were matched. Engine performance is nearly comparable with acceptable emission requirements while using B20 powered biodiesel and a PSZ coated engine. Among the biodiesels tested, the maximum BTE was recorded with diesel which was 2.79%, 5.89%, 7.75%, 9.64% and 14.03% greater than B10, B20, B30, B40 and B100 fuel blends. From various fuels tested, the minimum smoke emissions were recorded with diesel which was 6.06%, 12.9%, 20.68%, 29.62% and 39.88% lower than B10, B20, B30, B40 and B100 fuel blends.

Injection system modification and optimization for performance enhancement and emission reduction in a light-duty diesel engine fuelled by biodiesel-water emulsion

In conventional diesel engines, adding water to carbon–neutral biodiesel simultaneously reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and smoke emissions whilst improving engine performance. However, such investigations reported in the literature are conducted with engines equipped with a mechanically actuated fuel supply system lacking flexibility in the injection schedule. The present investigation aims at modifying and optimizing an existing mechanical fuel injection system to an electronic common rail injection (CRDi) system for utilizing biodiesel-water emulsion. A light-duty diesel engine's performance and emission characteristics with the modified CRDi system operated with biodiesel-water emulsion is compared with the mechanical injection system. The formulated Karanja biodiesel and water emulsion contained 18 % water, and 2 % of the raw oil was utilized as the stabilizer for the emulsion. The results show that the CRDi system results in lower peak cylinder pressure, higher heat release rates, and retarded combustion phasing for all the tested fuels compared to the mechanical injection counterpart. Compared to diesel with the mechanical injection system, biodiesel-water emulsion with CRDi system reduced fuel consumption and increased thermal efficiency by 30 % and 14 %, respectively, at 5.08 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP). The NOx emissions for the emulsion were similar to diesel with the mechanical injection system, whereas a decrease of 29, 30 and 10 % was observed for emissions of smoke, unburned hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO), respectively. The current investigation reveals that utilizing biodiesel-water emulsion with a flexible injection system reduces engine exhaust emissions while simultaneously improving the performance characteristics.