S.M. Ashrafur Rahman

Characterization and prediction of blend properties and evaluation of engine performance and emission parameters of a CI engine operated with various biodiesel blends

The present research is aimed to investigate the feasibility of using palm (PB), mustard (MB) and Calophyllum biodiesel (CB) as renewable and alternative fuels. Biodiesels were produced from the respective crude vegetable oils and physicochemical properties of the biodiesel–diesel blends were graphically compared for all possible biodiesel blends at every 10% composition interval. By applying the curve-fitting method, equations were developed for predicting important properties, which show very close fit to the experimental data. This will help future research such as the optimization of blending percentage, engine combustion and performance and emission analysis. As up to 20% blends of biodiesels showed similar properties to diesel fuel, the engine performance and emission of the 10% and 20% biodiesel–diesel blends were studied for all three feedstocks, as well as diesel fuel, to perform a comparative study. An average of 7–12% BSFC increment was observed for biodiesel blends compared to diesel fuel. The brake power was decreased on average of 4.1–7.7% while operating on the biodiesel blends. Nitric oxide (NO) emission increased 9–17% and hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide (CO) emission showed improved results for the biodiesel blends. An average of 23–43% lower HC and 45–68% lower CO emission resulted from the biodiesel blends compared to those from diesel fuel.

Impact of denatured anhydrous ethanol-gasoline fuel blends on a spark-ignition engine

Alcohols are a potential alternative fuel because of their renewable bio-based sources. Since the nineteenth century alcohols have been used as an alternative fuel in gasoline engines. Investigations into performance and emissions relating to the use of denatured anhydrous ethanol (DAE) (94.8% ethanol + 5% methanol + 0.2% water) blends with gasoline are discussed in this paper. Tests were carried out at half throttle and under variable speed conditions for a speed range of 1000 to 4000 rpm with various blends of DAE–gasoline fuel on a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It was observed that DAE has a significant positive effect on the performance of the gasoline engine. The results showed that blending gasoline with DAE slightly increases the torque, brake power, volumetric efficiency and brake power with higher brake specific fuel consumption. In addition, DAE reduces CO, HC and NOx emission. In terms of investigated parameters, up to 50% blends with gasoline have been found to be a promising fuel for gasoline engines.

Combustion, performance and emission characteristics of a DI diesel engine fueled with Brassica juncea methyl ester and its blends

In this study, mustard biodiesel (B100) was produced from low quality crude mustard oil and tested in a four-cylinder, direct-injection, diesel engine to investigate the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of the engine at different engine speeds and full load conditions. Biodiesel and its blends showed increased peak cylinder pressure and reduced ignition delay when compared to diesel fuel (B0). The pre-mixed combustion phase and the start of injection timing for B100 and its blends took place earlier than B0. During engine performance tests, 10% and 20% biodiesel blends showed 4–8% higher brake specific fuel consumption and 9–13% lower brake power compared to diesel fuel. Engine emissions tests showed 9–12% higher NO, 19–42% lower HC and CO for B100 blends compared to B0. In conclusion, 10% and 20% B100 blends can be used in diesel engines without modifications.

Assessing Effects of Idling of a Diesel Engine Operated with Optimized Blend of Palm and Mustard Biodiesel

Palm is an edible feedstock which is immensely popular in Malaysia as an alternative fuel which can substitute diesel fuel. However, use of Palm biodiesel in diesel engine have a negative effect on food security, thus, in this study authors used Mustard biodiesel, which has poor fuel properties, with Palm biodiesel to produce an optimum blend. This blend will have better fuel properties compared to Mustard biodiesel and will help eliminate dependency of Palm biodiesel. To ensure that optimized blend achieves better fuel properties MATLAB optimization tool was used to find out the optimum blend ratio. Linear relationship among the fuel properties was considered for MATLAB coding. The resultant optimum blend is represented by PM. Optimum blend revealed improved fuel properties compared to mustard biodiesel. Fuel consumption and exhaust emission of diesel engine operated by the produced optimized blend blends at high idling conditions with and without a turbocharger installed, were evaluated. Optimized blend achieved lower CO, HC and NO X emission compared to Mustard biodiesel blends and also improved fuel consumption at idling conditions. When the engine was turbocharged it further decreased CO, HC and fuel consumption, but significantly increased NO X emission.