Experimental studies on utilization of Neochloris oleoabundans microalgae biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engine

Abstract

In the present study, biodiesel produced from a third generation feedstock, Neochloris oleoabundans microalgae was tested as green fuel in single cylinder diesel engine. Produced biodiesel and its blends had their properties assessed and compared to petroleum diesel. The microalgae biodiesel blended with diesel as B10, B20 and B30 on volume basis were used as fuel for conducting the combustion, performance and emission analysis of diesel engine. The B20 blend led to a slight reduction in brake thermal efficiency (0.92%) while increasing BSFC as compared to diesel fuel. The highest reductions in CO, HC, and smoke were 23%, 14.34%, and 18.78%, respectively, were obtained as compared to diesel fuel. In comparison to diesel, the combustion parameters showed a maximum reduction in peak pressure and HRR of 1.3% and 3.14%, respectively, for B20, as well as a 1.3°CA reduction in ignition delay.

KEYWORDS:

• Neochloris oleoabundans microalgae
• transesterification
• physico-chemical characteristics
• diesel engine
• performance
• combustion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).