Comparison of combustion characteristics and brake thermal efficiency of a heavy-duty diesel engine fueled with diesel and biodiesel at high altitude

► Peak heat release rate of biodiesel was lower and earlier than diesel. ► BTE of biodiesel dropped 0.6%, BSEC, BSFC, volumetric BSFC rose 2%, 17%, 11%. ► The start of combustion and combustion duration for the two fuels were similar. ► CA50 for biodiesel was 0.4°CA postponed in both operating conditions.