Experimental investigations on the feasibility of higher blends of biodiesel in variable compression ratio diesel engine

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the biodiesel prepared from non-edible Linum usitatissimum oil tested in compression ignition engine for its viability option over the petrodiesel. The present study investigated the effects of a fraction of biodiesel in the blends in the events of variation of compression ratio on performance, combustion and emission characteristics and compared with baseline fuel PD operated at rated compression ratio 17.5:1. It is reported that at CR 16, the maximum BTE improvement observed was 26.73% for LB30.The maximum gain in BSFC for LB10 was 3–12% higher. The EGT increases with load, biodiesel contents and decreases with CRs. The emission of CO, HC, and CO₂ reduced with an increase in CRs except penalty in the discharge of NOx by maximum 30.8% for LB30 at CR18. Thus higher blends, i.e. LB20 and LB30 can also be used as an alternative fuel in a partially modified diesel engine i.e. at CR 18.

KEYWORDS:

• Compression ignition engine
• biodiesel
• combustion
• performance
• emission
• variable compression ratio

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to All India Council of Technical Education, Government of India and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Maharashtra, for their support towards carrying out research work under Quality Improvement Program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.