A comparative experimental study between the biodiesels of Jatropha and Palm oils based on their performance and emissions in a four stroke diesel engine

Abstract

Stringent emission norms and depletion of oil resources have led the researchers to find alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. The main objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of using different types of fuel samples in terms of emission characteristics and feasibility of using alternative fuels. A total of four fuel samples, such as 100% diesel fuel (D100); 20% jatropha biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel (JB20); 20% palm biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel (PB20); and 10% jatropha biodiesel, 10% palm biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel (JPB20) respectively were used to analyze the performance on the basis of brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency and exhaust gas temperature and exhaust emissions referring to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Short-term engine performance tests are conducted on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, variable compression ratio, compression ignition engine using the four fuel samples mentioned above at load of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Kg and compression ratios of 12, 14, 16. It is found from the results that biodiesels differ very little from diesel in performance and are better than diesel with regard to hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. However oxides of nitrogen are found to be higher for biodiesels but not significantly higher when compared with diesel.