Impact of binary blends of biodiesels on fuel quality, engine performance and emission characteristics

Abstract

AbstractThe incessant pressure of energy requirements by the growing global populace has led to the exploration of unconventional methods to produce renewable and sustainable fuels. Among these, biodiesel is most suited to the present needs of eco-friendly standards to keep the atmosphere free from residual emissions. Various fuel-modification methods were developed over a couple of decades to make biodiesel suitable for diesel engines. In the present research, Jatropha curcas biodiesel and waste-cooking-oil (WCO) biodiesel were used to craft a unique binary blend to obtain desirable fuel properties and operational suitability for the diesel engine. The blend with 80% WCO biodiesel and 20% J. curcas biodiesel, which had the most suitable fuel properties, was tested on a four-stroke single-cylinder vertical diesel engine. The emissions and operational parameters were analysed and compared with diesel. The results of the study indicated that engine emissions for binary blend, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions were highly reduced, and carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increased relative to diesel. At full load, NOx emission was found to be 51.32% higher than that from diesel and 3.8% lower than that from WCO biodiesel. Engine performance showed that for the binary blend, at full load, the brake-specific fuel consumption was 396.82 g/kWh, which was 15.26% higher, and the brake thermal efficiency was 22.7%, which was 2.74% lower than regular diesel fuel. The present study suggests that the binary blend of J. curcas biodiesel and WCO biodiesel can be a promising approach towards advancements in the fuel properties of biodiesels.