Effect of engine performance and emission characteristics of non-edible oils

Abstract

Due to the energy crisis caused by the depletion of resources and increased environmental problems combined with the great need for edible oil as food and the reduction in biodiesel production cost, inedible oils are referred as an alternative fuel for diesel engine. Among different non-edible vegetable oils which could be used as ternate fuels, four vegetable oils, Jatropha curcas L., Pongamia pinnata L., Madhuca indica J.F. and Azadirachta indica A. Juss oils were selected for this study. Since there was a variation in the physical properties of these four alternate fuels and their biodiesels, a comparative analysis was done for methyl esters of different oils in blends with diesel of different proportions. It was clear from this study that biodiesel generally caused an increase in NOx emission and a decreased in HC, CO and smoke emissions compared to diesel. It is found that a diesel engine run successfully on a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel without damage to engine parts. Methyl ester from Jatropha oil, with properties close to diesel, showed better performance and emission characteristics, followed by esters of Pongamia, Neem and Mahua oils.