Influence of Fuel Injection Rate on the Performance, Emission and Combustion Characteristics of DI Diesel Engine Running on Calophyllum Inophyllum Linn Oil (Honne Oil) / Diesel Fuel Blend 2010-01-1961

The present work examines the use of a non-edible vegetable oil namely honne oil, a new possible alternative fuel for diesel engine. High viscosity of honne was reduced by blending it with diesel fuel. A direct injection (DI) diesel engine typically used in agricultural sector was operated on neat diesel (ND) and a blend of 50% honne oil with 50% diesel fuel (H50). Rate of injection of fuel was changed (by changing plunger diameter) to study the performance, emission and combustion characteristics. For the blend (H50), increasing the plunger diameter (PD) from the manufacturer specified plunger diameter (8 mm) increased the brake thermal efficiency and reduced CO, HC, smoke opacity and NO_x emissions. However, brake thermal efficiency, CO and HC emissions at 10 mm PD were higher with H50 compared to ND (8 mm PD). Smoke opacity and NO_x emissions at 10 mm PD were marginally lower for H50 compared to ND. The ignition delay with H50 was decreased as PD was increased. Improved premixed heat release rate was observed with H50 when the PD was increased. The best PD was found to be 10 mm for H50 based on brake thermal efficiency.