Engine Performance Characteristics Evaluation of a Single Cylinder 4-Stroke Diesel Engine with Neem and Pongamia

In this work, the biodiesel produced from non-edible oils like Neem and Pongamia oils are prepared by a method of alkaline catalyzed transesterification. Investigation on the engine performance characteristics of selected fuel in a stationary single cylinder, four stroke, naturally aspirated direct injection diesel engine is carried out and the results are tabulated. The engine performances (Brake Thermal efficiency, Brake Specific Fuel Consumption, Brake Power, and Exhaust Gas Temperature) are evaluated. Blends of 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % Biodiesel are used for comparison in the present work with loads varying from 0 to 100 % (i. e. , stalling load). The results obtained reveal that Neem oil methyl Ester has a performance plot closer to the diesel plot. The experimental study indicates that Neem oil biodiesel can be used as a fuel in compression ignition engine without any engine modification when compared to the other biodiesel blends.