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
Preview |
PDF
- Published Version
Download (171kB) | Preview |
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: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5544 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |