The Effect of Biodiesel on Diesel Engine Performance

Abstract

A study by literature review was conducted to compare the performance and wear and tear
of compression ignition engines using biodiesel and diesel fuels. The environmental impact of
using biodiesel fuel was also reviewed to compare with that of diesel fuel. The result indicated
that the torque and power outputs obtained from the compression ignition engines using
biodiesel were 3 – 5 % less than those of diesel fuel. The lower heating value of biodiesel is the
reason for the mentioned difference. Despite the difference, fuel consumption of the two fuels is
very similar because of more complete combustion in case of biodiesel. This is because of the
presence of high oxygen content in biodiesel. From tests of a diesel engine fueled with a blend
of 5 – 10 % biodiesel in diesel fuel, it was reported that there was no significant difference on
the performance and wear and tear of the engine. Furthermore, biodiesel produced less carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide than diesel fuel. From the review of the literature in this study, it
appears that biodiesel can be used directly in a diesel engine without any engine modification.
However, if biodiesel is to be used in diesel engines over a long period of time, more research is
required to study the effects of the fuel on engine performance, wear and tear of the engine as
well as emissions.