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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research

Performance, Emission, and Combustion Evaluation of Chlorella Vulgaris Biodiesel-Diesel Blends in a Compression Ignition Engine

  1. Alagala Harikrishna Department of Mechanical Engineering, KSRM College of Engineering, Kadapa, Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur, Ananthapuramu
  2. B. Chandra Mohana Reddy Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTUA College of Engineering, Ananthapuramu, Constituent college of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur, Ananthapuramu

Abstract

This study examines, without modifying the engine, the performance, emissions, and combustion properties of biodiesel blends made from Chlorella vulgaris microalgae in a four-stroke, single-cylinder, water-cooled CI engine. The blends of biodiesel and diesel, designated B10, B20, B30, and B40, were 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. Of these, B20 showed the best efficiency-to-emissions ratio. Although it recorded the lowest brake specific fuel consumption of 0.232 kg/kWh, indicating superior fuel utilisation, its brake thermal efficiency of 27.89% was marginally lower than diesel's 30.12%. According to combustion analysis, B20 demonstrated efficient combustion with a maximum heat release rate of 49 J/°CA and a peak cylinder pressure of 66 bar. Its 13.9°CA ignition delay was almost identical to that of diesel (13.8°CA). In terms of emissions, B20 kept NOₓ levels (853 ppm) near diesel levels while drastically lowering carbon monoxide (0.99%) and unburned hydrocarbons (96 ppm). Because biodiesel is oxygen-rich, the filter smoke number (FSN = 6) also showed decreased smoke opacity. All things considered, B20 proved to be the best blend, providing stable combustion, high thermal efficiency, and lower emissions, making it a practical and environmentally responsible substitute for traditional diesel.

Keywords

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