Comparative study of engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a single cylinder 4-stroke CI engine operated on the esters of hemp oil and neem oil

摘要

In this study, the biodiesel produced from selected non-edible oils are prepared by a method of alkaline catalyzed transesterification. Esters of non-edible vegetable oils such as hemp oil and neem oil are potentially effective diesel substitute. The study is carried out to investigate the performance and emission characteristics of selected fuel in a stationary single cylinder, four stroke, naturally aspirated direct injection diesel engine and compare it with mineral diesel. The engine performances (thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, brake specific energy consumption, and exhaust gas temperature) whereas exhaust emissions (oxides of nitrogen, unburned hydrocarbon and smoke opacity) are evaluated. The experimental results in each case are compared with baseline data of mineral diesel. Significant improvements have been observed in the performance parameters of the engine as well as exhaust emissions. The results show a 45.07% reduction in NOx, 84.42% reduction in HC, 28.35% in smoke but brake thermal efficiency increased slightly (0.19%) at full load for hemp biodiesel, 6.06% reduction in NOx, 2.59% reduction in HC, 18.39% reduction in smoke at full load for neem biodiesel, respectively. The experimental study indicates that selected fuel can be used as a fuel in compression ignition engine without any engine modification.