The effects of using biodiesel on CI (compression ignition) engine and optimization of its production by using response surface methodology

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2013-09, Vol.59, p.56-62
• Main Authors: Abuhabaya, Abdullah, Fieldhouse, John, Brown, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: absorbance; Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Biodiesel; catalysts; diesel engines; diesel fuel; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Engine performance and emission; Engines and turbines; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; gas emissions; Helianthus; methanol; Miscellaneous; mixing; molecular weight; Response surface methodology; sodium hydroxide; Sunflower oil; temperature; Transesterification
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2013.06.056

Bio-fuel production provides an alternative non-fossil fuel without the need to redesign current engine technology. This study presents an experimental investigation into the effects of using biodiesel blends on diesel engine performance and its emissions. The biodiesel fuels were produced from Sunflower oil using the transesterification process with low molecular weight alcohols and sodium hydroxide then tested on a steady state engine test rig using a Euro 4 four cylinder CI (compression ignition) engine. This study also shows how by blending biodiesel with diesel fuel at intervals of B5, B10, B15, and B20 can decrease harmful gas emissions significantly while maintaining similar performance output and efficiency. Production optimization was achieved by changing the variables which included methanol/oil molar ratio, NaOH catalyst concentration, reaction time, reaction temperature, and rate of mixing to maximize biodiesel yield. The technique used was the RSM (response surface methodology). In addition, a second-order model was developed to predict the biodiesel yield if the production criteria is known. The model was validated using additional experimental testing. It was determined that the catalyst concentration and molar ratio of methanol to sunflower oil were the most influential variables affecting percentage conversion to fuel and percentage initial absorbance. •The optimal conditions for the maximum methyl ester yield were found to be at methanol/oil molar ratio of 6.8:1.•NaOH catalyst concentration of 1.1%, reaction temperature 35 °C.•Rate of mixing 200 rpm and a minimum reaction time of 66 min.•The fuel properties were measured.•The combustion analysis, it was found the performance of the B20 was as good as that of standard diesel.