Experimental investigation of palm-jatropha combined blend properties, performance, exhaust emission and noise in an unmodified diesel engine

Abstract

Ever increasing drift of energy consumption, unequal geographical distribution of natural wealth and the quest of low carbon fuel for cleaner environment are sparking off the production and use of biodiesels in many countries around the globe. In this work, different physicochemical property of palm and jatropha combined biodiesels have been presented which is acceptable according to ASTM standard of biodiesel specification. This paper presents experimental results of the research carried out to evaluate brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), engine power, exhaust and noise emission characteristics of palm and jatropha combined blends in a single cylinder diesel engine at different engine speed ranged from 1400 to 2200 rpm. Though PBJB5 and PBJB10 biodiesels showed slightly higher BSFC compared to diesel fuel but all measured emission parameters and noise emission were significantly reduced, except for nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission. Carbon-monoxide (CO) emission for PBJB5 and PBJB10 were reduced 9.53% and 20.49% compared to diesel fuel. On the contrary, hydrocarbon (HC) emission for PBJB5 and PBJB10 were reduced 3.69% and 7.81% compared to diesel fuel. Produced sound levels of PBJB5 and PBJB10 were also reduced 2.5% and 5% compared to diesel fuel.