Functional Variables of a Biodiesel-Powered Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine: an Experimental Analysis

In this study, biodiesel fuel was first produced by converting non-edible rapeseed oil through the transesterification reaction. The functional characteristics of a single-cylinder diesel engine running on a fuel mixture of diesel #2 (2-D) and biodiesel (containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 v/v %) was analyzed under 25, 50, 75 and 100% loading at different engine speeds of 1800 to 3000 rpm with 400 rpm increments. Results showed that higher biodiesel to pure diesel ratios first reduced engine power and torque and then improved them, whereas the engine's specific fuel consumption first was increased and then decreased. Compared to the pure diesel fuel, engine power was increased by 0.97, 0.11 and 4.28% while running on B15, B10 and B20 fuel mixtures and decreased by 3.87% while on B5. Additionally, the B5 mixture at 2600 rpm had the largest impact and the B20 mixture at 3000 rpm had the smallest impact on engine power. B5 under 25% loading and B10 under 100% loading had the largest and the smallest impacts on specific fuel consumption, respectively. Finally, B10 at 2600 and under 100% loading was selected as the best mixture.