Emission Characteristics, Fuel Efficiency and Engine Power of Neem Oil Biodiesel Determined From IC Engine

Aims: To evaluate the emission characteristics and engine performance of neem oil biodiesel using a single cylinder one-stroke 165 jet diesel engine.

Study Design: Automotive gas oil (AGO) was blended with neem oil biodiesel (NOB) in the following percentages (100:0; 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; 60:40; 50:50; 40:60; 30:70; 20:80; 10:90 and 0:100) respectively

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Chemical engineering, Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile Ife and Department of Mechanical engineering, Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile Ife, Nigeria, between January 2011 and October, 2012.

Methodology: The AGO was blended with NOB as shown in the design of study. The blends were subjected to combustion in the single cylinder one-stroke jet diesel engine coupled with EGA4 palm top flue gas analyzer which was used in order to determine the effect of varying speed (750rpm and 900rpm) on the exhaust gases (CO and NO). Also, the engine power and specific fuel consumption were calculated in order to determine the efficiency of neem oil biodiesel in combustion engine. The combustion and the analyses were carried out, first by using a 100% AGO, then 100% NOB followed by the other blends.

Results: The result showed that there were reduction in CO and NO emission while using neem oil biodiesel. The result also showed that neem biodiesel blends had engine power and specific fuel capacity similar to AGO.

Conclusion: Neem oil biodiesel can be used with or without blends with AGO in diesel jet engines with lower emission characteristics and similar engine performance with that of AGO.