Evaluating the Performance and Emissions of a Diesel Engine Blended with Cottonseed

Considering the importance of Biodiesel, its use in various blends with other seeds available in Iraq may be enhanced. This study's main goal is to determine the potential of cottonseed to produce biodiesel as an efficient, low-emission, and low-cost alternative. Investigations were conducted on the engine performance and emissions at different cottonseed-diesel (CSB) blend ratios. Transesterification was used to produce cotton biodiesel, which was then blended with D100 petro-diesel fuel in volumetric ratios of 10% (CSB10), 20% (CSB20), and 30% (CSB30). Using petro-diesel as a benchmark, the properties of cotton biodiesel and its blends were investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. The produced biodiesel's fuel properties were found to be within ASTM-acceptable limits. Engine tests revealed that the CSB10 blend has a slightly higher specific fuel consumption (SFC) than the D100; however, it is lower than that of the CSB20 and CSB30 blends, i.e., 0.6 kg/kWh. Among the other diesel blend samples investigated, the CSB10 had the highest brake thermal efficiency (BTE), i.e., 13.08%. All cottonseed blends have been found to have a reduced heat dissipation rate than D100. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from cotton blends were generally lower than those from D100. This study also revealed that all mixes had lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than biodiesel. Emissions from the CB10 blend were significantly lower than those from the CSB20 and CSB30 blends. Out of all the blends, CSB10 was the best alternative fuel for diesel engines. Engine changes are not necessary when combining it with petroleum-based diesel.