Combined effect of DEE and Jatropha biodiesel–diesel fuel blends on the enhancement of VCR diesel engine parameters at varying loads and compression ratios

ABSTRACT

In the field of biodiesel, the oxygenised alternatives, dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE), are the promising alternative due to high Cetane number and oxygen content. In this research, experimental analysis is done for different fuel blends of Jatropha oil and DEE as additives. Biodiesel of 10, 15, and 20% with 10% DEE is used by mixing with diesel named as A1, A2 and A3. For 20% of DEE with same % of biodiesel, second batch of blends is prepared as B1, B2 and B3. These blends are prepared, and their physicochemical properties are tested. The compression ratio (CR) at 16, 17 and 18 is used as input for engine performance and emission analysis. Load on the engine is increased from 3 kg to 12 kg as full load for all blends and diesel. Results shows that engine gives better performance at higher load and higher CR. A3 blend shows the highest value of BTE than other fuel blends and diesel at all CR and loads. A3 blend shows the lowest value of BSFC compared to other fuel blends at CR 16 and CR 18. Performance of A3 and B2 fuel blends is better than all other fuel blends.

KEYWORDS:

• Jatropha biodiesel
• Diethyl ether
• VCR engine
• diesel engine performance
• diesel engine emissions

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Acknowledgments

The first author would like to express his deep thanks and appreciation to the board of college and university development (BCUD), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, for providing financial support under the research project (Project no. 13ENG000382/2013-15).

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Board of College and University Development, Savitribai Phule Pune University [13ENG000382/2013-15].