Application of blend fuels in a diesel engine

Experimental study has been carried out to analyze engine performance and emissions characteristics for diesel engine using different blend fuels without any engine modifications. A total of four fuel samples, such as DF (100% diesel fuel), JB5 (5% jatropha biodiesel and 95% DF), JB10 (10% JB and 90% DF) and J5W5 (5% JB, 5% waste cooking oil and 90% DF) respectively were used in this study. Engine performance test was carried out at 100% load keeping throttle 100% wide open with variable speeds of 1500 to 2400 rpm at an interval of 100 rpm. Whereas, emission tests were carried out at 2300 rpm at 100% and 80% throttle position. As results of investigations, the average torque reduction compared to DF for JB5, JB10 and J5W5 was found as 0.63%, 1.63% and 1.44% and average power reduction was found as 0.67%, 1.66% and 1.54% respectively. Average increase in bsfc compared to DF was observed as 0.54%, 1.0% JB10 and 1.14% for JB5, JB10 and J5W5 respectively. In case of engine exhaust gas emissions, compared to DF average reduction in HC for JB5, JB10 and J5W5 at 2300 rpm and 100% throttle position found as 8.96%, 11.25% and 12.50%, whereas, at 2300 and 80% throttle position, reduction was as 16.28%, 30.23% and 31.98% respectively. Average reduction in CO at 2300 rpm and 100% throttle position for JB5, JB10 and J5W5 was found as 17.26%, 25.92% and 26.87%, whereas, at 80% throttle position, reduction was observed as 20.70%, 33.24% and 35.57%. Similarly, the reduction in CO2 compared to DF for JB5, JB10 and J5W5 at 2300 rpm and 100% throttle position was as 12.10%, 20.51% and 24.91%, whereas, at 80% throttle position, reductions was observed as 5.98%, 10.38% and 18.49% respectively. However, some NOx emissions were increased for all blend fuels compared to DF. In case of noise emission, sound level for all blend fuels was reduced compared to DF. It can be concluded that JB5, JB10 and J5W5 can be used in diesel engines without any engine modifications However, W5B5 produced some better results when compared to JB10. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.