Exploring the performance and emission profiles of soybean biodiesel blends in a high-performance generator engine

Biodiesel (BD) blends are emerging as vital renewable substitutes for conventional diesel worldwide, with Indonesia pioneering B35 adoption, followed by the United States (B20), Brazil (B13), and numerous countries implementing B5–B10 blends. In India, dependence on imported fossil fuels and the environmental hazards caused by stringent emissions underscore urgent sustainability needs. This research evaluates soybean-derived BD blends, specifically SBD20D80 and SBD30D70, in a 250 kVA rating power-generating set (genset) diesel engine to optimise performance metrics and emission profiles compared to baseline diesel. Experiments were performed as per ISO 8178; D2 5-Mode cycle at a fixed 1500 rpm speed, incorporating engine performance, emissions, and endurance assessments. The engine out emissions and the emissions downstream of the aftertreatment system are measured and compiled. Specific experimental and statistical procedures, as described in existing literature, have been addressed to ensure robustness across studies. Key findings show that NO X , HC, CO, PM, smoke, CO 2 , and NH 3 emissions all complied with stringent CPCB IV+ regulations. Notably, SBD20D80 and SBD30D70 blends exhibited pronounced reductions in HC, CO and smoke relative to diesel, with a marginal increase in NO X and NH 3 . Furthermore, the engine sustained consistent performance output and reliability throughout a rigorous 500-hour durability test using SBD30D70 fuel. The outcomes highlight soybean biodiesel's potential to contribute to sustainable energy solutions while promoting cleaner genset engine applications.