Vegetable Oils as Fuel for Diesel Engines: An Overview

The intent of this paper is to summarize the state of knowledge on use of vegetable oils as diesel fuels. Fuel related properties are reviewed and compared with conventional diesel fuel. The use of neat vegetable oil (edible and/or nonedible), biodiesel and its blends in a diesel engine has been discussed. Performance and emission characteristics are highlighted. Suitability of different combustion chambers for diesel engine operation with vegetable oils is outlined. Techniques to decrease viscosities are discussed. An overview on current developments on the use of vegetable oils directly and indirectly in diesel engines is presented.