Advances and strategies to improve the performance of biodiesel in diesel engine

Abstract

The demand for diesel utilization in heavy-duty ve-hicles continues to increase worldwide. However, the potential use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel has disadvantages, such as lower calorific value and higher viscosity. For this reason, it is necessary to improve its properties to optimize combustion in the engine and reduce emissions. This research explores the various blends that can improve biodiesel utilisation through strategies and advancements that optimize diesel engine performance. Among the various strategies to improve biodiesel, we find the mixtures of different bio-oils (vegetable oils, pyrolysis oils, and used cooking oils), blends of biodiesel with alcohol and hydrogen, the use of biodiesel as a pilot fuel, emulsions of biodiesel with water, and the application of antioxidants, nanotubes, and nanoparticles to biodiesel. It is concluded that currently, biodiesel can be used through the dual combustion technique, where it acts as a pilot fuel representing 10% or 20% of the total fuel in the engine. This strategy allows for the promotion of other fuels (liquids and gases) in dual combustion to find the optimal blend that is the best option for the diesel engine.