Effects of biodiesel on changes in IC engine performances: A long-term experiment with farm tractors

This study aimed to determine the effects of continued use of petroleum diesel and biodiesel fuel blend on the changes in engine performances and exhaust gas emissions of the IC engine. The experiments were conducted on a tractor engine using a blend of biodiesel and petroleum diesel in the ratio of 40:60% (v.v? 1) (BD40). The tractor performed standard farming operations using BD40 fuel for 1000 h. The engine performances and exhaust gas emissions were evaluated at the beginning of the experiment and after 100, 250, 500, and 1000 h. Maximum engine power dropped by 6.16% after 1000 h with BD40 fuel, and specific fuel consumption and CO emission increased by 7.35 and 12.5% respectively. The CO2 emission was reduced by 6.26%. Worsened engine performance was probably a consequence of the deposit on the tip of injectors which was formed due to thermal oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids that amounted to over 90% in the used raw material for biodiesel production. Statistical analysis of the obtained data indicated statistically significant changes.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate the effects of continued use of a blend of biodiesel and petroleum diesel fuel on engine performances and exhaust gas emissions. Results showed a decrease in maximum engine power, an increase in specific fuel consumption and CO emission, and a reduction in CO2 emission after 1000 hours of operation. The worsened engine performance was likely caused by deposits on the injector tip due to thermal oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the biodiesel raw material. Statistical analysis indicated significant changes in the obtained data.