Optimization and modeling of the performance of compression ignition engine fired on biofuel from non-edible vegetable oils

Compression ignition CI engine are versatile engines required for both industrial and domestic purposes. CI finds application in household mill, transportation and as components in energy plants. Operating the CI engine with biodiesel and its combination with fossil-based diesel is being encouraged to combat environmental menace of using only fossil diesel. This current work seeks to probe into comparison between the use of biodiesel and its emulsion to improve the performance CI engine. Methyl esters was synthesized from blends of three nonedible oils; Tevetia Peruviana, Honne and Neem (THN) using catalyst made from three bio wastes mixture. The production process was optimized using Taguchi tool. The THN methyl esters (THNME) obtained was assessed for fuel properties. Box Behnken tool was adopted to generate 17 investigational steps to explore the effect of THNME 100 and parts containing 20% and 60% of THNME on the fuel efficiency and safety of the CI engine. These fuel mixes were used as fuel in an unmodified single cylinder CI engine. The engine was operated on three engine loads (EL) 25%, 50% and 75% as well as engine speeds (ES) 1500, 2500 and 3500 rpm (rpm). The result obtained showed that blend of THNME with fossil diesel has the minimum exhaust gas temperature EGT. ANOVA of the performance result shows that the model developed is suitable to predict the behaviour of brake power and exhaust gas temperature only. This work conclude that B20 is moderately fuel efficient and safer for the unmodified engine in terms of EGT and BSFC.

Novelty: Emulsion of THNME B20 is a preferred fuel for the safety of the unmodified CI engine because of low EGT