Effect of emulsified fuel based on dual blend of Castor-Jatropha biodiesel on CI engine performance and emissions

Over the years, the diesel engine has been used in several marines, automobiles, locomotives, and agriculture applications due to its high efficiency and high-power torque capacity. However, the use of a diesel engine increases the rate of harmful pollutants like soot and NOx. This study aims to reduce engine emissions while simultaneously enhancing engine performance by using dual biodiesel emulsified fuel. For the preparation of the test fuel, a B20 Castor - Jatropha biodiesel blend (10% Castor + 10% Jatropha + 80% Diesel v/v %) was selected. Furthermore, for the preparation of emulsified test fuel, the concentration of water (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 v/v %), surfactant (1, 2 v/v %) and HLB ratio (4.3, 5.3, 6) varies in the given range, respectively. During the experiment, parameters such as the stability of the fuel, engine performance, combustion, and emission analysis were carried out, comparing the test fuels with diesel. As the engine does not constantly operate at its full-rated load throughout its entire life, the results were therefore multiplied by the engine load factor. Our experiments demonstrated that the test fuel with a 5% water concentration formed the best-emulsified fuel. This fuel had a 14% higher BTE, 42% higher CO2, and similar to 60% lower NOx. Apart from this, the test fuel showed better combustion and performance characteristics than diesel and other emulsified fuels. The present work concludes that 20% of biodiesel, 2% surfactants, 5% water and 5.3 of HLB ratio shows reduced harmful engine emissions and improve engine performance. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

The study successfully reduced engine emissions and improved engine performance by using dual biodiesel emulsified fuel. Test fuel with a 5% water concentration showed the best results, outperforming diesel and other emulsified fuels in combustion and performance characteristics.