Experimental studies on a DI diesel engine fueled with bioethanol-diesel emulsions

This paper explores the possibility of utilizing bioethanol obtained from Madhuca Indica flower as an alternative fuel in a direct injection (DI) diesel engine. Three different percentages of bioethanol (5%, 10%, and 15%) on volume basis were emulsified with diesel proportionality with the help of a surfactant. The emulsions were designated as BMDE5, BMDE10, and BMDE15 where the numeric value refers to the percentage of bioethanol. The emulsions were tested as fuels in a single cylinder, four stroke, and air cooled DI diesel engine developing a power of 4.4 kW at 1500 rpm. Results indicated that the bioethanol-diesel emulsions exhibited a longer ignition delay by about 2.2 °CA than that of diesel operation at full load. Overall, the nitric oxide (NO) and smoke emissions were found to be lesser by about 4% and 20%, respectively, with the bioethanol-diesel emulsions compared to that of diesel operation at full load. The BMDE5 emulsion gave a better performance and lower emissions compared to that of BMDE10 and BMDE15. It is suggested that the bioethanol produced from Madhuca Indica flower can be used as a potential alternative fuel replacing 5% of petroleum diesel.