Effect of LPG Induction on Performance and Emission Characteristics of Bio-diesel in a CI Engine

Abstract

Due to high self-ignition temperature, LPG fuel alone cannot be used to run compression-ignition (CI) engines. A pilot fuel is required to initiate combustion at the end of compression stroke. Diesel fuel can be utilized as pilot fuel, but as the fossil fuels are depleting fast and also pollute the environment when burned, an alternative, renewable and environmentally friendly fuel in the form of methyl esters of Pongamia Pinnata was considered in the current investigation, which included engine performance and exhaust emission tests at different loads at an injection pressure of 170 kgf/cm². The performance of an engine in dual fuel mode was comparable to that obtained when the engine was run alone on diesel. Moreover, reductions in smoke density and NO_x were observed. However, in this mode, an increase in CO and HC emissions were observed.

Keywords:

• alternate fuel
• biodiesel
• CI engine
• dual fuel
• LPG
• Pongamia Pinnata