Comparative study on biodiesel-methanol-diesel low proportion blends operating with a diesel engine

In this study, biodiesel (20%)-methanol (5%)-diesel (75%), biodiesel (20%)-methanol (10%)-diesel (70%), biodiesel (20%)-diesel (80%), and standard mineral diesel as a baseline fuel are tested in a multi-cylinder diesel engine. Those biodiesel-alcohol low proportion blends are investigated under the same operating conditions at 20%, 40% and 60% of engine loads to determine the engine performance and emission of the diesel engine. Overall, biodiesel-methanoldiesel blends show higher brake specific fuel consumption than mineral diesel. As methanol proportions in blends increase, NO emissions increase, while CO emissions are reduced. Also, biodiesel-diesel blend with 5% of methanol is more effective than biodiesel blend with 20% for reducing CO emissions. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.