An Analysis on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of CI Engine Using Blends of Cotton Seed Biodiesel

The use of non-edible vegetable oils as an alternative fuel for diesel engine is a highly debated notion. The high energy crisis and increased environmental concerns make it a hot topic. In this present work experimental study has been carried out to determine the combustion and emission characteristics of Cotton Seed Methyl Ester (CSME) blends with diesel. Tests were conducted for B10, B20, B30(10%, 20%, 30% blend of CSME with diesel) and was compared with diesel fuel. At rated power the brake thermal efficiency of blend B20 and diesel were 29.6% and 30.2% respectively. Ignition delay, net heat release and in cylinder pressure for blends were found to be higher than diesel at rated power. There was a slight increase in the amount of NOX (Nitrogen Oxides) for B20, but HC (Hydrocarbon), CO (Carbon monoxide) and smoke opacity were reduced by 32.3%, 10% and 7.7% respectively than that of diesel. The test results show that B20 gives almost equal performance to that of diesel with significant reduction in emission.