Indian Journal of Engineering • Analysis • Bio-diesel Dhanesh et al.

Biodiesel is a renewable and environmental friendly alternative fuel which can be used as a substitute for diesel in compression engine without any modifications. Biodiesel can be prepared from vegetable oils and animal fats. This paper presents the experimental results of rice bran oil methyl ester (biodiesel) as fuel in a single cylinder, direct injection, water cooled diesel engine. The performance was measured using electrical dynamometer. The brake thermal efficiency, specific energy consumption, exhaust gas temperature, cylinder pressure, carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbon (UBHC) and smoke emissions of the rice bran methyl ester were measured and compared with diesel. According to emission tests, as a result of rice bran methyl ester usage, reduction in CO, UBHC and smoke were observed. The results indicate that the rice bran oil methyl ester can be used directly in compression engine without any modification in the engine