Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Variable Compression Ratio Engine of Sardine Oil Using Methyl Esters

Abstract

The performance and emission characteristics of a single cylinder four stroke variable compression ratio (CR) engine when fuelled with sardine oil methyl ester are investigated. The suitability of sardine oil methyl ester as a biofuel has been established in this study. Biodiesel produced from sardine oil by transesterification process has been used in this study. Experiment has been conducted at a fixed engine speed of 1500 rpm, variable load and at CR = 16.0, 17.5, and 19.0. The impact of CR on break thermal efficiency, fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and emissions has been investigated and presented. Optimum CR which gives best performance has been identified. The results indicate that break thermal efficiency is the highest for CR = 16.0 and Carbon monoxide is the highest for CR = 19.0. Hydrocarbon and Nitric oxide is the lowest for CR = 16.0.