Energy and exergy analyses of a CI engine fuelled with palm biodiesel based on experimental data

Only energy analysis is not enough to define the best efficiencies of any system, so exergy analysis uses to understand and improve the actual efficiencies of the whole system. Energy analysis identified the energy losses but could neither identify the irreversible losses nor their location. These are, however, could be clearly explained with the application of exergy analysis. In this study both energy and exergy analyses were performed in a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 7 bhp, water cooled diesel engine fuelled with petrodiesel as a base fuel and palm biodeisel. The objectives of the analyses are to determine whether the fuel made any significant difference on the efficiencies of the engine. The fuel exergy, exergy loss due to exhaust gases, exergy loss due to cooling water, exergy destruction, and exergetic efficiency of the engine are obtained by using the experimental data at steady-state condition. The results of tested biodiesel showed a similar type energetic performance as petrodiesel fuel.