Parametric optimisation of exergy destruction in small DI diesel engine fuelled with neem biodiesel using the Taguchi method

Large amount of emissions from vehicles have led to the degradation of urban air quality and have resulted in serious health issues. Biodiesel, a substitute fuel for diesel engine, is receiving great attention worldwide. This work investigates the merits of using neem-biodiesel and diesel blends for single cylinder small direct injection diesel engine. The energy (the first law) and exergy (the second law) analyses of direct injection diesel engine using neem-biodiesel blends have been presented. Taguchi's 'L' 16' orthogonal array has been used for the design of experiments. The engine was tested at different engine speeds, load percentages and blend ratios, using neem biodiesel. The results show that the optimum operating conditions for minimum brake specific fuel consumption are achieved when the engine speed is 1900 rev/min, load percentage is 75 and the engine is fuelled with B40.