An experimental investigation into engine characteristics fueled with Lal ambari biodiesel and its blends

Nowadays the production of biodiesel from non-edible vegetable oil feedstock is attaining more attention than edible vegetable oil for the replacement of diesel fuel. The novelty of this experimental paper is that it discussed the new biodiesel feedstock as a substitute fuel for a CI engine that has not drawn much consideration among other researchers. Diesel, Lal ambari biodiesel and its blends were used for conducting a short-term test and their effects on CI engine characteristics under different loading conditions have been evaluated. Engine tests have led to the assessment of the performance parameters such as exhaust gas temperature, brake thermal efficiency and brake specific fuel emission characteristics corresponding to oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and smoke and combustion characteristics. These include heat release rate, the maximum rate of pressure rise, cylinder pressure and ignition delay; they were recorded and analyzed furthermore to decide the ideal fuel blend. Results show that the BTE for blend LA20 decreased by 2.5%, while the BSFC increased by 4.4% more than diesel at full load condition. Reduction in smoke emission was recorded for LA20 by 16.6%, while on the other hand, CO2 emissions increased by 3.5% compared to diesel fuel at full load condition. The HRR and cylinder pressure was lower for biodiesel, and its blends at full load condition. The experimental result proved that Lal ambari biodiesel and its blends could be a potential alternative fuel for a CI engine.