Performance Analysis of CI Engine using Pongamia Pinnata (Karanja) Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel of diesel, is described as fatty acid methyl ester from vegetable oils or animal fats. The main objectives of the present work is to reduce higher viscosity of Pongamia pinnata (Karanja) oil using esterification followed by transesterification and to assess the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine. The important properties of engine fuel such as density, viscosity, flash point and calorific value of Karanja methyl ester were compared with diesel fuel. Various proportions of Karanja oil methyl ester blends (10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) were used for conducting the performance test at varying load conditions. Engine parameters such as brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency were calculated and emission parameter such as emission of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and oxide of nitrogen gases in exhaust were recorded. By using Karanja oil methyl ester blends with diesel fuel, the result showed that the brake thermal efficiency of biodiesel blends with diesel fuel wee less as compared to diesel fuel. Fuel consumption was increased with increase in blend proportions. It is found that the emission level of CO and HC level decreased with increased in blend proportion in diesel fuel. NOx emission increased with increase in blend proportion in diesel fuel. The test results indicate that biodiesel B-20 and lesser can be used as an alternative without any modifications of diesel engine.