N. VENKATESWARA RAO, M.V.S. MURALI KRISHNA, R. PERAIAH CHOWDARY, N. JANARDHAN, V.V.R. SESHAGIRI RAO AND T. RATNA REDDY
Abstract
Biodiesel obtained from crude vegetable oil stock by the process known as esterification provide energy security besides addressing environmental issues. However, moderate viscosity of biodiesel calls for hot combustion chamber, which is provided by partially adiabatic diesel engine (PADE). The viscosity of biodiesel was reduced to certain extent by adding 15% diethyl ether, which was also a cetane improver, a measure of combustion quality in diesel engines. By means of literature review, it was established that 15% blend ratio of DEE improved performance of the engine. An air gap insulated piston with stainless steel (304 Grade-A) (a low thermal conductivity material) crown and air gap insulated liner with stainless steel insert were found to be effective in achieving efficient insulation associated with improved performance of the engine. Supercharging of pressure 0.8 bar was provided with PADE in order to reduce pollution levels. In the present paper, the pollution levels of particulate emissions and oxides of nitrogen from a super charged PADE and conventional engine (CE) with tamarind biodiesel were determined and compared with those of conventional engine with biodiesel and also with neat diesel fuel. Particulate emissions and nitrogen oxide levels reduced with biodiesel operation on PADE with supercharging in comparison with neat diesel operation on conventional engine.