Effect of Combustion Chamber Shapes on the Performance of Mahua and Neem Biodiesel Operated Diesel Engines

Diesel engines are widely used for transport and power generation applications because of their high thermal efficiency, and their easy adoption for power generation applications as well. However, there is an increased impetus on improved engine performance, lower noise and vibration levels and lower emissions. Increasing energy demand, decrease in fossil fuel reserve in the earth crust and harmful exhaust gases have focused major attention on the use of renewable and alternative fuels. To overcome and meet these demands, use of renewable fuels such as biodiesels for diesel engines has gained greater momentum. To meet the challenge, it is essential in implementing new technologies and methods that improve the efficiency of diesel engine used for both transport and power generation applications. Renewable energy sources can supply the energy for longer periods of time than those of fossil fuels and have many advantages. Liquid biodieselsare more suitable for diesel engine applications as their properties are closerto diesel.

A number of vegetable oils have been used for biodiesel production and their respective biodiesels are used as alternative fuels in diesel engines. Biodiesels derived from jatropha, honge (karanja), honne, palm, rubber seed, rape seed, mahua, and neem seed oils were used in diesel engine applications. Slightly lowered performance with increased emissions and combustion studies was reported for Biodiesels engine operation by several researchers. Effect of various engine parameters such as compression ratio (CR), injection timing (IT), injection pressure and engine loading on the performance and exhaust emissions of a single cylinder diesel engine operated on biodiesel and their blends with diesel were reported in the literature. Read more...........