Performance and emission characteristics of a transportation diesel engine operated with non-edible vegetable oils biodiesel

Abstract

In this study, production, performance and emission characteristics of methyl esters of Oleander, Kusum and Bitter Groundnut oil in a transportation diesel engine were studied. Oleander oil methyl esters (OOME), Kusum oil methyl esters (KOME) and bitter Groundnut Oil Methyl Esters (BGOME) were prepared by transesterification process. The effects of three methyl esters on engine performance and exhaust emissions were examined at different engine speed and full load condition. Experimental results showed that the brake thermal efficiency of OOME is found higher and brake specific fuel consumption lower compared to KOME and BGOME. BGOME shows less emissions compared to OOME and KOME. In short, it may be concluded from the experimental investigations that biodiesel from different non-edible oils (Oleander, Kusum, and Bitter Groundnut) can become an alternative source of fuel in future.