IMPACT OF AGE ON PERFORMANCE FOR BIODIESEL

Abstract

Economic development in developing countries has led to huge increase in the energy demand. In India, the energy demand is increasing at a rate of 6.5% per annum. The crude oil demand of country is met by import of about 70%. Thus, the energy security has become key issue for our country. Biodiesel, as an eco-friendly and renewable fuel substitute for diesel has been getting the attention of researchers/scientists all over the world. The research has indicated that up to B20, there is no need of any engine modification and little work is available related to suitability and sustainability of biodiesel production from Jatropha as non-edible oil sources. In present study, on the same pace of advancement of research, the effect of ageing on biodiesel from Jatropha oil for 5 months and subsequently its effect on engine performance have been evaluated. It was found that the increase in the viscosity of biodiesel was 25% & 38% for the samples stored at room temperature and kept in direct sunlight respectively followed by the significant growth in the acid value and peroxide value which is as per ASTM standard. The results of engine performance indicated that the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) for neat biodiesel was 13-15% higher at 2.165 kW load and 1500 rpm as compared to diesel fuel, while the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of neat biodiesel (23.82%) was almost similar to diesel (24.15%). The BSFC upto B20 was about 4-5% lower than diesel, while BTE was somewhat higher than diesel. No significant change in fuel economy and efficiency was observed at B20 level III for five months aged sample in airtight container at room temperature. But 1-2% growth in BSFC was found at B20 level* for five months aged sample stored in open atmosphere in direct sunlight. The engine performance with thermally aged biodiesel (at 100 °C for 10 hours) has been also evaluated and it was found that the BSFC for B20 blend of thermally aged biodiesel was higher by 17% and efficiency for this blend was lower by 2-3%. So by this study, it can be concluded that 5-6 months aged biodiesel stored in airtight container at room temperature would not be show any underperformance in fuel economy and efficiency in diesel engine and direct contact of air and heat will promote the oxidation of biodiesel that will, deteriorate its performance as fuel. IV