An overview of biodiesel production and its utilization in diesel engines

The exhaustible fossil based fuel and its negative impact on the environment, when used in diesel engine has stimulated to search for an alternative source of energy. In this regard, biofuel seems quite viable solution, as it is renewable and environmental benign. From the last three decades scientists and researchers all over the world have contributed methods to utilize efficiently bio-origin resources. Experimental investigation on use of biodiesel prepared from vegetable oil in diesel engine also seemed successful and encouraging. Several literatures suggest for a 20% blending of biodiesel in high speed diesel could be used in diesel engines. Most of the studies reveal the use of biodiesel reduces CO, HC, and CO2 and increases NOx emission. Performance parameter such as; brake thermal efficiency decreases with increase in biodiesel blend as a result of lower heat content of biodiesel fuel compared to petro-diesel. (paper)