Experimental investigation into the use of locally available vegetable oil as an alternative to diesel fuel in Bangladesh

Abstract

An investigation has been carried out to identify the most promising alternative to diesel fuel from among the locally produced vegetable oils. In this pursuit informations have been collected for a number of locally produced vegetable oils regarding their current use, production potentiality and processing technology. Relevant fuel properties of four pure vegetable oils (Mustard, Groundnut, Linseed and Sunflower) have been measured. High viscosity was identified as one of the main constraints of using the considered vegetable oils in diesel engines directly at the normal temperature. Hence, kerosine was blended with the considered vegetable oils to reduce their viscosity and match their combustion characteristics with that of diesel. Fuel properties of the blended fuels were also determined and. the implications of the observations have been analyzed. Test results show that the fuel properties of blends of kerosine with 40%-50% of linseed oil by volume are comparable to that of diesel fuel. However, the engine performances were studied operating it with four different blends of linseed oil with kerosine (30%, 40%, 50% and 60% linseed oil with 70%, 60%, 50% and 40% kerosine respectively by volume). Test results show that rated power and brake thermal efficiency decrease, and bsfc increases when compared to diesel fuel operation. From overall assessment of. the pure vegetable oils considered and their various blends it is concluded that based on the current use., suitable physical and combustion behavior; linseed oil blended with kerosine may be considered as a suitable alternative fuel and can be used successfully in a diesel engine.