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Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Abstract

The heavy reliance on fossil fuels has serious consequences, particularly regarding increased greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In order to obtain cleaner fuel resources and reduce fossil fuel dependence, palm oil biodiesel is added to fossil diesel by volume ratio resulting in B50 and B55 blends. Combustion characteristics, performance, fuel consumption, and emissions were performed in a diesel engine with a 4-cylinder common rail direct injection (CRDI) at different engine speeds (1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm). Compared to fossil diesel, biodiesel blends exhibit higher density at 855.9 kg/m³ (B55), kinematic viscosity with a value of 5.1 mm²/s (B55), and cetane index of 58 (B55). As biodiesel composition increases, the calorific value of fuels decreases (B55 = 48.73 MJ/kg) which positively correlated with the fuel consumption increase. Combustion analysis indicates that B0 generates a higher peak cylinder pressure and heat release rate due to a higher calorific value compared to the diesel/biodiesel blend. Performance test result shows B0 delivers superior torque (180 Nm) and peak power (80.6 HP) at high engine speeds, whereas B50 and B55 improve low-engine-speed combustion efficiency due to enhanced oxygen compound and cetane index. Based on findings, biodiesel blends are better suited for emission reduction and low-speed applications, while B0 remains optimal for high-power demands, highlighting a performance and emission trade-off that depends on engine operational requirements.

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