An experimental investigation of combined effect of EGR and Sesame oil biodiesel blends on CI engine

In this study, the biodiesel is produced from transesterification of sesame oil. Properties of biodiesel are very close to diesel hence it can be used in diesel engine without any modification but use of biodiesel in CI engine will leads to higher NOX emission. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is one of the most effective methods to reduce NOX emission. The study is carried out to investigate the emission and performance characteristics of single cylinder, four stroke, direct injection and water cooled CI engine to observe the effect of different EGR rates and blends of sesame oil biodiesel. The rated power and speed of engine were 3.5 KW and 1500 rpm respectively. The engine performance parameters (thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption and temperature of exhaust gas) and exhaust emissions (oxides of nitrogen, unburned hydrocarbon and Carbon monoxide) are evaluated. The experimental results in each case are compared with baseline data of diesel. Improvements have been observed in the performance parameters of the engine as well as exhaust emissions. Result shows that B10 blend and 5% EGR is the best combination for this engine. At this combination the brake thermal efficiency increased by 4.45% at partial load. The reduction in NOX is approximately 400 ppm with application of EGR at high load but HC and CO emissions were increased by 1 ppm and 0.09 % only. The experimental study indicates that sesame oil Biodiesel and EGR both can be employed together in CI engines to obtain reduction of NOX emissions.