The deleterious environmental impacts of crude oil, notably significant pollution and escalated greenhouse gas emissions, necessitate alternative fuels. In this context, biodiesel, particularly when blended with diesel, emerges as a viable substitute. This study investigates the emissions and performance characteristics of diesel-biodiesel blends, utilizing microalgae oil-based biodiesel. Variations in the catalyst (potassium hydroxide, KOH), reaction duration (30-110 minutes), and temperature (30-70oC) were explored to determine their influence on biodiesel yield. The biodiesel produced was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealing distinct absorption bands indicative of various functional groups present. Furthermore, emission testing was conducted on a TecQuipment TD202 diesel engine, a naturally aspirated, single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection, air-cooled model. Optimization studies revealed that the optimal biodiesel yield was achieved using 2g of KOH, at a temperature of 60oC, and within a reaction time of 90 minutes. Emission testing demonstrated a decrease in exhaust gas temperature (EGT) with reduced biodiesel blend ratios and an increase with engine speed across all blends. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions diminished with lower biodiesel concentrations, whereas carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions escalated. Total hydrocarbons (THCs) emissions increased with reduced biodiesel content, and smoke opacity escalated with lower biodiesel blend ratios. This investigation methodically examines the emissions from various biodiesel blends, underscoring their potential as a cleaner, more sustainable option for the transportation sector.
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Ogundele et al. (2023) studied this question.
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