EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE & EMISSION OF NEEM OIL METHYL ESTER IN A DI DIESEL ENGINE

Abstract

Bio-fuel application in diesel engines have now become popular from the point of view of fuel economy and emission reduction. In this experimental investigation necessary efforts have been made to prepare a Bio-fuel through transesterification from raw Neem oil. The derived fuel called “NEEM OIL METHYL ESTER†(NOME- C17H34COOCH3) has been used in a single cylinder air cooled diesel engine and operated with typical operating conditions. Experimental investigations were carried out in the above engine under different load conditions to access the performance and emission levels of the engine for Neem Oil Methyl Ester (NOME) and it’s blends with diesel viz B20, B30 and the same were compared with the diesel fuel. In this experimental investigation it was observed that the Brake thermal efficiency were much higher than diesel due to improved combustion lubricity and reduced friction. For B30 the brake thermal efficiency is lower than diesel due to its high viscosity. The emission characteristic curves were examined and observed that the Nox, Exhaust gas temperature. and HC for NOME were higher than diesel due to efficient combustion, lower viscosity and good mixture formation. Smoke emissions were found to be lower than diesel, because of excess oxygen present in the bio-diesel. Significant changes in the combustion parameters were also observed for Neem Oil Methyl Ester and its blends compared to diesel fuel.