Experimental Investigation of Single Cylinder Four Stroke Diesel Engine Using Mahua Oil Biodiesel

Abstract

With increase in population and subsequent use of automobiles, the present day scenario has compelled us to face dual problems of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation simultaneously. To overcome this, we must search for a better renewable fuel. Since, biodiesel stands as a renewable and sustainable alternative fuel, several studies are carried out to study its effects on engine performance as well as exhaust gas emissions. The studies proved that biodiesel blends sorted out many environmental and performance oriented problems by reducing the content of CO₂, CO and HC in exhaust emissions. Another major advantage of biodiesel is high cetane number which determines ignition quality of fuel. But, in spite of this, biodiesel hasn’t been considered reliable due to high NO_x emissions. This paper aims to study diesel and biodiesel comparatively, considering parameters like engine performance and emissions. From the studies, it is concluded that use of biodiesel lowers CO_2, CO, HC and PM emissions but on the contrary increases NO_x content and increases fuel consumption. To reduce this particular problem of high NO_x emission, EGR technique which helps in lowering NO_x emissions can be implemented. EGR facilitates lower flame temperature and oxygen concentration in combustion chamber.