Performance Evaluation of Fuel Blends Containing Croton Oil, Butanol, and Diesel in a Compression Ignition Engine

Emission problems associated with the use of fossil fuels have led to numerous research works on the use of renewable fuels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of blends containing croton oil (CRO), 1-butanol (BU), and diesel (D2) on the engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. Samples investigated were 20% CRO-80% D2, 15% CRO-5% BU-80% D2, and 10% CRO-10% BU-80% D2, with D2 as the baseline. The density, viscosity, cetane number, and contents of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen were measured by ASTM standards. A four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine was used for the tests. It was observed that the brake specific energy consumption of blends was found to be high compared to that of the D2 fuel. The addition of BU in the blend reduces the brake thermal efficiency values. BU-containing blends show peak cylinder pressures and heat release rates Comparable to those of D2 on higher engine loads. Carbon dioxide and smoke emissions of the BU blends were lower in comparison to those of the D2 fuel.