Detailed analysis on sterculia foetida kernel oil as renewable fuel in compression ignition engine

This work briefs the ability of Sterculia foetida methyl ester (SFME) as an alternate fuel in determining the engine characteristics. Non-edible nature of the Sterculia foetida kernel oil favored choosing as a feedstock. The Acid-catalyzed transesterification process is conducted for converting Sterculia foetida kernel oil into methyl ester. Experimental analysis was conducted using blends such as SFME20, SFME40, SFME60, SFME80, SFME100, and standard diesel at atmospheric conditions. The observations concluded that the Smoke opacity, Hydro carbon emissions, and carbon monoxide emissions lowered with increase in SFME content in diesel. In addition, the performance aspects  namely BTE lowered with increase in SFME in diesel/SFME blends. Carbon-di-oxide and Nitroden oxide emissions increased when compared with standard diesel becausce of its higher O2 concentration. The combustion analysis witnessed a reduction in HRR and ICP for SFME-diesel blends relative to standard diesel.