Performance, emission and combustion characteristics of a VCR engine fueled with sea mango biodiesel/diesel blends

Abstract

The constant emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, due to the continuous burning of fossil fuels, has been driving researchers to develop an environmentally friendly alternative fuel solution. An experimental investigation was conducted on a laboratory scale, to evaluate the physicochemical qualities, performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics of sea mango oil biodiesel blends and pure diesel fuel on a single-cylinder, variable compression ratio (VCR) engine. Tests were conducted at 1500 rpm, 210 bar, and 23 degrees bTDC, under varying loading circumstances of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 kgs, and compression ratios 16:1, 17:1, and 18:1, respectively. The findings revealed that higher compression ratios (CRs) improve the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of an engine. At CR 18:1, BTHE, SFC, and EGT improved by 8.78%, 11.18%, and 2.52% more than the standard compression ratio (17:1). The CO, HC, and smoke emissions also lowered by 14.65%, 18.56%, and 11.56%, respectively, at CR 18:1. The NOx emissions increased by 6.77%. The combustion characteristics also improved, with an increase in the CR. The findings of this investigation show that sea mango biodiesel blends can be used as a diesel alternative at CR 18:1, with no engine modifications.