Evaluation of Biodiesel Blends in a Single-Cylinder Medium-Speed Diesel Engine

Biodiesel blends were prepared by mixing low sulphur #2 diesel and biodiesel of two origins (canola and frying oil) at two different concentrations (5% and 20%). They were tested in a single-cylinder four-stroke medium-speed diesel engine under three engine modes representing idle, about 50% power and full load conditions. Engine performance and emissions data obtained with the blends were compared to that of engine running with the #2 diesel. Results indicated that the 5% blends could maintain engine power and fuel economy. Frying oil based B5 provided more significant reductions on CO, THC and PM emissions and increments on NO_x emissions as compared with that of the canola B5 fuel. The 20% blends reduce engine CO, PM and smoke emissions, but increase NO_x emissions by up to approximately 8%. Engine cylinder pressure and injection pressure data was also collected to provide additional information for evaluation of fuel economy and emissions benefits of using the blends.