Abstract:
Non-edible jatropha (Jatropha curcas), karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and polanga (Calophyllum inophyllum)
oil based methyl esters were produced and blended with conventional diesel having sulphur content less
than 10 mg/kg. Ten fuel blends (Diesel, B20, B50 and B100) were tested for their use as substitute fuel for
a water-cooled three cylinder tractor engine. Test data were generated under full/part throttle position
for different engine speeds (1200, 1800 and 2200 rev/min). Change in exhaust emissions (Smoke, CO,
HC, NOx, and PM) were also analyzed for determining the optimum test fuel at various operating conditions.
The maximum increase in power is observed for 50% jatropha biodiesel and diesel blend at rated
speed. Brake specific fuel consumptions for all the biodiesel blends with diesel increases with blends
and decreases with speed. There is a reduction in smoke for all the biodiesel and their blends when compared
with diesel. Smoke emission reduces with blends and speeds during full throttle performance test.
