Energy and exergy assessment of diesel-tallow biodiesel blend in compression ignition engine for engine design variables

Biodiesel has been accepted as an alternate fuel to power engines. Biodiesel, prepared by transesterification of tallow as a feedstock, is used to fuel a compression ignition (CI) engine. An Exergy-energy analysis is compared with baseline diesel at various engine design variables. Brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), fuel energy, thermal efficiency, heat loss, energetic efficiencies, and exergy destruction through exhaust gases were determined for a single cylinder, direct injection, variable compression ratio (VCR) CI engine. Data analysis provides optimal operating conditions for the efficient combustion of B20 blend fuel. Optimal performance was obtained at a compression ratio of 17.5 and injection pressure of 210 bar, with energy efficiency observed as 31.69% and the maximum efficiency observed for diesel was 32.67%. Exergetic efficiency values were 24.97% and 26.37%, respectively. Based on the data, it is proposed that B20 tallow-based biodiesel can be used as an efficient and sustainable fuel.

Automated summary

Exergy-energy analysis of biodiesel and baseline diesel was compared at various engine design variables to determine optimal operating conditions for efficient combustion of B20 blend fuel. The results showed that energy efficiency was 31.69% at a compression ratio of 17.5 and injection pressure of 210 bar, with the maximum efficiency observed for diesel at 32.67%. Based on the data analysis, it is suggested that B20 tallow-based biodiesel can be used as an efficient and sustainable fuel.