ABSTRACT

Biodiesel is known as “the mono alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, for use in compression ignition (diesel) engines.” It is an oxygenated, free from sulfur & carcinogenic benzene, non-toxic, biodegradable and echo friendly alternative fuel. One of the major characteristics of bio-diesel, which directs its feasibility for using, as an alternative of conventional diesel fuels is that its use does not require any significant modification of diesel engine. However, due to its different properties like higher viscosity, lower heating value, lower volatility, excess oxygen content, and higher flash point; bio-diesel may cause some change in engine performance and emissions including lower power and higher oxides of the nitrogen. This report is divided into two phases. In the first phase different parameters for optimization of biodiesel production was investigated. Biodiesel was made by transesterification. Cotton seed oil is selected for biodiesel production. The results showed that with the variation of catalyst, methanol or ethanol, variation of biodiesel production was realized. However, the optimum condition for biodiesel production is suggested in the report. It is found that for 0.5% Sodium hydroxide and 20% methanol bio-diesel production was maximum. In the second phase of the investigation, the performance study of a diesel engine with diesel – biodiesel blends were carried out. The results showed that when compared with neat diesel fuel, biodiesel gives almost similar thermal efficiency, lower carbon monoxide (CO) while slightly higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission is experienced. 

Click Here to download full report.