Author : G. Laxmaiah and M.V.S. Murali Krishna

In the scenario of depletion of fossil fuels, the search for alternative fuels has become pertinent. Vegetable oils are promising substitutes for diesel fuels. Biodiesels derived from vegetable oils present a very promising alternative to diesel fuel since biodiesels have numerous advantages compared to fossil fuels as they are renewable, biodegradable, provide energy security and foreign exchange savings besides addressing environmental concerns and socio-economic issues. Experiments were conducted to determine exhaust emissions of a conventional diesel engine with tobacco seed biodiesel with varied injection timing and injector opening pressure. Exhaust emissions [particulate emissions and oxides of nitrogen (NOx)] were determined at various values of brake mean effective pressure of the engine fuelled with diesel and tobacco seed biodiesel. Comparative studies on exhaust emissions were made with diesel working on similar conditions. Particulate emissions decreased, while NOx levels increased with biodiesel operation. Exhaust emissions improved with increase of injector opening pressure and advanced injection timing.

Keywords: Alternative fuels, vegetable oils, biodiesel, exhaust emissions

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.6, No.6 (Dec-2016)