An experimental investigation on engine characteristics, cost and energy analysis of CI engine fuelled with Roselle, Karanja biodiesel and its blends

Nowadays, the production of biodiesel from non-consumable vegetable oil feedstock is attaining more attention than the consumable vegetable oil for the complete replacement of the diesel fuel. Thus, Roselle and Karanja oil blends (RB10 and KB10) with diesel fuel were chosen for the present investigation based on their easy availability. In the current study, cost analysis for different biodiesels, energy losses for various fuels to varying conditions of engine load and experimental work were carried out, and their effects on diesel engine characteristics were analysed. The results showed that the brake thermal efficiency was lowered by 1.5% for RB10 and 2.8% for KB10 as compared to the diesel fuel. The brake specific fuel consumption was found to be higher by 5.5% for RB10 and 2.0% for KB10 than diesel. It was also found that 1.83% reduction in ignition delay period for RB10 and 2.02% for RB20 were attained at full engine loading condition. Moreover a reduction in the smoke and the oxide of nitrogen formation and a slight increase in carbon dioxide emission in the exhaust gas, were observed. Hence, it is concluded that Roselle and Karanja biodiesel can be used as suitable substitutes for the renewable source of energy.