Effect of palm biodiesel blends on cold start performance and emissions of common rail turbocharged engine at moderately cold ambient temperatures

Palm biodiesel fuel is limited to 7% (v/v), that is, B7 in petroleum diesel used at Malaysian highlands due to concerns over poor flow characteristics. This article investigated the cold start performance of a common rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine using B7, B10, B20, and B30 blends in a simulated cold climatic chamber at 5, 10, 15, and 20 & DEG;C. All the blends passed the startability test at 20 & DEG;C but failed at 5 & DEG;C. Higher biodiesel blend of B20 could withstand moderate cold temperature (15 & DEG;C) without startability issue, while B7 and B10 were usable beyond 15 & DEG;C. Engine workability after start-up was insignificantly affected though, on average, 23% increase and 56% reduction observed in engine starting time and speed stability between B7 (standard) and other blends. Emissions of CO was noticeable, < 0.1%, while CO2 and NOx were reduced by 13% and 18%, respectively during cold start-up using B10 and B20. It is expected that B20 could be destined for at the Malaysian highlands with the coldest temperature not exceeding 15 & DEG;C threshold for more than 5 h. Considering the importance of cold filter plugging point, it is suggested for inclusion in existing diesel standards to minimize issues while deploying high biodiesel blends at highlands commercially.

Automated summary

This article investigated the cold start performance of a common rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine using different blends of palm biodiesel fuel. The results showed that all the blends failed to start at 5℃, while B20 could withstand temperatures up to 15℃ without start-up issues. Engine workability was not significantly affected, although there was an increase in engine starting time and reduction in speed stability when using higher blends of biodiesel. Emissions of CO2 and NOx were reduced during cold start-up using B10 and B20. The study suggests including cold filter plugging point in existing diesel standards when deploying high biodiesel blends at highlands commercially.