Effect of pongamia biodiesel on emission and combustion characteristics of DI compression ignition engine

Biodiesel produced from pongamia oil has been considered as promising option for diesel engines because of its environmental friendliness. In this work, bio-diesel from pongamia oil is prepared (PME 100), tested on a diesel engine for different blends such as PME 20, PME 40, PME 60 and PME 80. Comparison is made with diesel operation. Parameters such as brake thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, smoke and NOx emissions are evaluated. Even though the performance reduces slightly when the engine is fueled with biodiesel, significant changes in the combustion parameters observed in case of biodiesel blends are significant to note. On the other hand, reduction in CO, HC and smoke is observed. Study reveals the effect of bio-diesel on a DI engine when compared to diesel and evolves conclusions with respect to performance and emissions.