Experimental Investigation of Direct Injection Compression Ignition Engine Fueled with Diesel-Biobutanol-Castor Oil Blends on the Performance

Castor Oil is one of the oils that are available from waste seeds at and low cost. Biobutanol can be manufactured from waste fruits by bioprocessing. This study uses the blends of castor oil-biobutanol along with diesel to replace 85-90% of diesel fuel for fueling direct injection compression ignition engines without any major modifications in engine operating parameters. The experimentation sequence includes the preparation of blends with a base blend of diesel-biobutanol in 50:50 with the additive castor oil from 0- 10% in increments of 1%. The solubility and properties test (as per the American Society of Testing Methods) is being performed to arrive at an optimal blend that possesses closer properties compared to diesel. This optimal blend is tested for thermal efficiency, heat release rate, and emissions for various brake power conditions. Results of the properties test depict that the blend containing castor oil up to 5% is found suitable by comparing the kinematic viscosity and calorific value, above this volume the viscosity is increasing higher and the calorific value is decreasing. The test results showed that the blends produce slightly lower thermal efficiencies under low load conditions (up to 40% of rated power) and closer values under high brake power conditions (above 75% of rated power) conditions. The emissions from the engine are found to be low for oxides of nitrogen and smoke, however, a slight increase in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are observed. This study decreases 55% of diesel consumption fuel compression ignition engines. The cost of the fuel is in the range of 60-70% of the cost of the diesel with respect to the Indian Market.