Production of biodiesel from various sources and comparative engine performance studies by using different biodiesel blends

The biodiesel production from Pongamia pinnata, Calophyllum inophyllum, and waste cooking oil with different free fatty acid content was carried out by using different stages of transesterification process. Physical and chemical properties of biodiesel such as flash point, fire point, calorific value, density, and viscosity were found. Engine performance studies were carried out, with 100 % biodiesel being produced from different sources and with blends such as B50, B65, and B80 with diesel. In the comparison of biodiesels, it was found that Pongamia pinnata biodiesel showed highest Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) among the biodiesels used. For the B65 blend, Pongamia pinnata biodiesel gives highest BTE. For B50 blend, Pongamia pinnata and Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel provide highest BTE. When these blends were compared for a particular type of biodiesel, B50 shows better performance characteristics in all aspects for different biodiesels used and among the biodiesel blends used.