Evaluation of performance and emissions of Hibiscus cannabinus (Ambadi) seed oil biodiesel

New and alternative oil crops must be explored for extending the horizon of plant based fuels for the increasing number of engines in agriculture sector. To preserve the biodiversity, locally available oil crops need to be identified and evaluated for its biodiesel potential. In this study, one of such oil crop, i.e., Hibiscus cannabinus (Ambadi) was selected for exploring the potential to be used as alternative fuel in diesel engines. The oil is found to be good as the properties of its methyl ester (biodiesel) are well within the range prescribed by ASTM. The biodiesel so prepared posses 8% lesser heat content when compared to diesel on volume basis but thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption improves with blend of 20% (B20). Improved combustion regimes are also seen with the biodiesel blends.