Comparative Study on DI Diesel Engine Performance and Emissions using HCP microalgae biodiesel, Mahua oil biodiesel, Rubber seed oil biodiesel and Petroleum diesel

Abstract Energy consumption of the world is increasing hence the prices of fuels are increasing. Fossil fuels are the major source of energy but they are depleting in nature and they may exhaust in future. So we cannot depend on these sources and biofuels can be considered as substitute for fossil fuels, hence lot of researchers are doing extensive research on biofuels. So it is important to study the performance of different biofuels to find suitable one in terms of food crisis and better engine performance. Accordingly in this study the performance and emissions characteristics of Rubber seed oil, Mahua oil and microalgae oil biodiesels are studied. The results of this comparison study carried with HCP-B20, MO-B20 and RSO-B20 biodiesel blends indicates that the performance of HCP-B20 blend is better and emissions are lower compared to MO-B20 and RSO-B20 blends. The higher content of oxygen present in the microalgae biodiesel leads to higher rate of combustion reactions, in turn complete flame propagation and improved combustion. The BTE is lower with HCP-B20, MO-B20 and RSO-B20 compared to PD. Added advantage with this microalgae biofuel is, it is non-edible, it doesn’t require fertile land for its growth. So HCP-B20 blend may be viable for the commercial application.