Quality Biodiesel Production and Engine Performance & Emission Evaluation Using Blends of Castor Biodiesel 2021-28-0001

Automotive engine emissions are disturbing the ecological system and it has caused major impact on flora & fauna and environment. The major motive force behind this research is to find the alter-native fuel for the future sustainable mobility and less dependence on the fossil fuels. Biodiesel fuel produced from non-edible oil (like castor) could be used to replace a considerable portion of the conventional fuel consumed worldwide. Castor oil is selected for this study considering a fact that India is a major contributor in global castor oil seed production and also it, being a non-edible oil, avoids the cold-war between food vs fuel. The present study has been conducted in three phases. First phase comprises of oil expelling from the castor seeds. 2nd phase comprises of checking FFA content of the oil and conversion of oil into biodiesel using transesterification process. 3rd phase comprises of preparing B10 and B20 blends of castor biodiesel and evaluation of performance & emission characteristics of engine using these blends. Single cylinder - 4 stroke - Naturally Aspirated DI-CI engine with 50 HP @ 2150 rpm is used for the experimental work. Study shows that B20 blend of castor biodiesel is giving satisfactory results. There is a considerable reduction is noted in CO and HC emissions with marginal decrease in Power and BTE. NOx emissions is higher than the baseline, which can be treated using EGR or post cylinder techniques.