Comparative analysis of Moringa oil and rubber seed oil biodiesel in diesel engines

Energy resources are diminishing, and environmental problems are becoming more prevalent. In this regard, biodiesel from moringa oil (MO) and rubber seed oil (RSO) promises to be an excellent alternative to diesel fuels, while also requiring far less modification from existing diesel engines. Performance metrics analysis reveals that biodiesel consumes a slightly higher amount of fuel at lower loads because of its relatively lower calorific value. At 4.4 kW, MO methyl ester blend (MO20) achieved a brake thermal efficiency of 30%, outperforming diesel (26%) and RSO methyl ester blend (RB20) achieved a brake thermal efficiency of 28%. MO20 reduced CO emissions by 60% compared to diesel and 55% compared to RB20. Furthermore, MO20 increased NOx emissions by 10% at higher brake power levels compared to RB20 and 20% for diesel. RB20 and MO20 biodiesel blends exhibit lower HC compared to diesel by 24% and 28% respectively. These reductions in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions make biodiesel blends, mostly from MO, cleaner and well sustainable compared to conventional diesel, with their environmental and performance benefits for diesel engine applications.