Influence of B20 Biodiesel Blends on Diesel Engine Combustion

Abstract

An experimental study to compare the influence of different B20 biodiesel blends on combustion of 3.7 kW, single cylinder, direct injection Diesel engine is attempted. Sunflower, palm and karanja biodiesel are chosen for this study. The study is conducted at two load conditions. The combustion parameters such as start of combustion, heat release rate, pressure rise rate, mass fraction burnt etc., are estimated from the cylinder gas pressure profile. From the analysis of the experimental results, it is found that all the three B20 biodiesel blends has similar combustion characteristics, in spite of the differences in their fatty acid composition, physical properties, and chemical properties. Furthermore, the performance of the engine operated with B20 biodiesel fuels are on par with diesel fuel.