Coconut oil based hybrid fuels as alternative fuel for deisel engines

Singh, Pranil J. and Khurma, Jagjit R. and Singh, Anirudh (2010) Coconut oil based hybrid fuels as alternative fuel for deisel engines. American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 6 (1). pp. 69-75. ISSN 1553-345X

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Abstract

Problem Statement: The use of vegetable oils as a fuel in diesel engines causes some problems due to their high viscosity compared with diesel. Various techniques and methods are used to solve the problems resulting from high viscosity. Approach: One of the techniques is the preparation of a microemulsion fuel, called a hybrid fuel. In this study, hybrid fuels consisting of coconut oil, ethanol and octan-1-ol were prepared with an aim to test their suitability as a fuel for diesel engines. Density, viscosity and gross calorific values of these fuels were determined and the fuels were used to run a direct injection diesel engine. The engine performance and exhaust emissions were investigated and compared with that of diesel and coconut oil. Results: The experimental results show that the engine efficiency of the hybrid fuels is comparable to that of diesel. As the percentage of ethanol and/or octan-1-ol increased, the viscosity of the hybrid fuels decreased and the engine efficiency increased. The exhaust emissions were lower than those for diesel, except carbon monoxide, which increased. Conclusions/Recommendations: Hence, it is concluded that these hybrid fuels can be used successfully as an alternative fuel in diesel engines without any modifications. Their completely renewable nature ensures that they are environmentally friendly.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > Q Science (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Engineering and Physics
Depositing User:	Anirudh Singh
Date Deposited:	11 Feb 2013 02:52
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2013 02:52
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5544

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