Performance evaluation of BS3 direct injection diesel engine using diesel and castor biodiesel at different injection pressures.

At present, usage of diesel fuel causes increase in pollution and hence we have to find out a substitute fuel for diesel. Bio-diesel is one of the most promising substitutes for diesel fuels. In this paper, experimental research has been carried out for the comparison of the emission and performance characteristics of diesel fuel and its blend with castor non-edible vegetable oil (B20) on a single cylinder, 4 stroke, direct injection and water cooled, Macson diesel engine of 15hp at 2000rpm for variable loads. Loading was done by electrical means, coupling the engine with a 15kVA 3-phase alternator and loaded them by providing a number of heating coils and loading was done according to the British system of loading (no load, 25%, 50%, 75% and full load). Also, the performance and emission characteristics of engine using diesel fuel and its blend with castor non-edible vegetable oil (B20) has been compared at various injection pressures of 220, 240 and 260 bar. By analysing the graphs, it was noticed that the performance characteristics of the engine are improved and the emission rates are reduced by using bio-diesel fuel (B20). It can be observed from the critical analysis of graphs, the optimum characteristics were achieved at 260 bar injection pressure for B20 fuel and 240 bar for pure diesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]