THE PERFORMANCE AND EMISSIONS OF A VARIABLE COMPRESSION RATIO DIESEL ENGINE FUELLED WITH BIO-DIESEL FROM COTTON SEED OIL

A methyl ester of cottonseed oil was prepared and blended with diesel in four different compositions varying from 5 % to 20 % in steps of 5%. Tests were conducted in a single cylinder variable compression ratio diesel engine at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. Highest brake thermal efficiency and lowest specific fuel consumption were observed for 5 % biodiesel blend for compression ratio of 15 and 17 and 20 % biodiesel blend for compression ratio of 19. The 20 % biodiesel blend at a compression ratio of 17 had maximum nitric oxide emission as 205 ppm, while it was 155 ppm for diesel. Substantial reduction in Carbon monoxide emissions and smoke in the full range of compression ratio and loads was observed. Improved heat release characteristics were observed for the prepared biodiesels. The results reveal that the biodiesels can be used safely without any modification to the engine