Performance analysis and emission characteristics of VCR diesel engine using palm stearin oil biodiesel as fuel

Abstract

The increasing depletion of fossil fuels has prompted international efforts to search for diesel substitutes. One way to considerably reduce fuel shortages would be to use bio-derived fuels as replacements. Transesterification of edible or nonedible vegetable oils yields biodiesel, which is one example of a bio-origin fuel and a workable solution. Biodiesel’s characteristics are often more advantageous than those of diesel. One well-known example of a nonedible vegetable oil is palm stearin. In this work, we investigate the potential use of transesterified palm stearin methyl esters (PSME) as a substitute fuel. A rated compression ratio (CR) of 17.5 and 210 bar of fuel injection pressure were employed in the experimental investigations, which were carried out at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. Our main goals were to reduce emissions and improve engine performance. The evaluation parameters encompassed brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and emission indices. It was observed that using PSME led to better performance and fewer emissions when compared to using conventional diesel, especially when the CR was 17.5. Increased BTE, decreased BSFC, lower air–fuel ratios, and decreased volumetric efficiencies were all correlated with higher CR. As a byproduct of palm oil, PSME shows promise as a seasonally and geographically specific feedstock for biodiesel production, providing benefits over conventional diesel fuels in terms of performance and the environment.