Emission and Performance Effects of Biodiesel Blends of B5, B20 and B100 in a Single-Cylinder Medium-Speed Diesel Engine

Biodiesel blends from two different origins (Canola and Frying oil) were prepared and tested at B5, B20 and B100 concentrations on single cylinder medium-speed research engine at ESDC Inc. The effect of these six fuels (three concentrations, B5, B20 and B100 of each source) on exhaust emissions, fuel consumption (BSFC) and engine horsepower were compared to those of Low Sulphur # 2 Petro-diesel fuel. The engine was tested under three different test settings; Idle, 50% Load and 100% Load. The results showed: reduction in emissions (except NOX) for B5 and B20 of Canola and Frying oil blends while maintaining engine power and fuel efficiency in an acceptable range (within 2%). For B100 blends, reductions were more significant for CO and Smoke opacity but significant increase for NOX and PM emissions. Engine break horsepower was also decreased by %8–%9 with B100 blends. Engine Heat Value Release rate and Fuel Injection Pressure were also recorded for better assessment of fuel efficiency and emission results.