Optimization of performance characteristics in diesel engine utilizing Chlorella vulgaris fuel-a green approach...

Sustainable renewable energy fuel is used to reduce fossil fuel consumption and mitigate global warming pollution. The effect of diesel and biodiesel blends on engine combustion, performance, and emissions were studied at various engine loads, compression ratios, and engine speed. Chlorella vulgaris biodiesel is derived through a transesterification process and diesel and biodiesel blends are prepared at 20% incremental volume up to CVB₁₀₀. The performance such as brake thermal efficiency reduced by 1.49%, specific fuel consumption increased by 2.78%, and exhaust gas temperature increased by 0.43% for CVB₂₀ as compared to diesel. Similarly, emissions were reduced such as smoke, particulate matters. CVB₂₀ shows close performance and lower emission than diesel at a 15.5 compression ratio and 1500 rpm engine speed. The increasing compression ratio has a positive impact on engine performance and emission except for NOx. Similarly, increasing engine speed has a positive impact on engine performance and emission except for exhaust gas temperature. The performance of a diesel engine fueled with a blend of diesel and Chlorella vulgaris biodiesel is optimized by varying compression ratio, engine speed, load, and blend. It was found that at 8 compression ratio, 1835 rpm speed, 88% engine load, and 20% biodiesel blend the maximum BTE obtained 34% while minimum SFC 0.158 kg/kWh is obtained employing research surface methodology tool.