Biodiesel production and performance evaluation of coconut, palm and their combined blend with diesel in a single-cylinder diesel engine

M. Habibullah, H. H. Masjuki, M. A. Kalam, I. M. Rizwanul Fattah, A. M. Ashraful, H. M. Mobarak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable and sustainable alternative fossil fuel that is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. This study investigates the production, characterization, and effect of biodiesel blends from two prominent feedstocks, namely, palm and coconut (PB30 and CB30), on engines. To aggregate the advantages of high ignition quality of palm and high oxygen content of coconut, combined blend of this two biodiesels (PB15CB15) is examined to evaluate its effect on engine performance and emission characteristics. Biodiesels are produced using the alkali catalyzed transesterification process. Various physicochemical properties are measured and compared with the ASTM D6751 standard. A 10 kW, horizontal, single-cylinder, four-stroke, and direct-injection diesel engine is employed under a full load and varying speed conditions. Biodiesel blends produce a low brake torque and high brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC). However, all emissions, except for NOx, are significantly reduced. PB15CB15 improves brake torque and power output while reducing BSFC and NOx emissions when compared with CB30. Meanwhile, compared with PB30, PB15CB15 reduces CO and HC emissions while improving brake thermal efficiency. The experimental analysis reveals that the combined blend of palm and coconut oil shows superior performance and emission over individual coconut and palm biodiesel blends.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)250-257
Number of pages8
JournalEnergy Conversion and Management
Volume87
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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