ABSTRACT
Optimization of fuel injection strategies can maximize the utilization of ternary fuel by addressing the issues concerning fuel consumption, engine performance, and exhaust gas emission. In the midst of the pervasiveness of plant-based biofuel, this paper focused on maximizing the mahua oil biodiesel usage in a diesel engine having a common rail direct injection (CRDI) system without any engine modifications. The crude oil extracted from the seeds of Madhuca longifolia is known in India as mahua butter and has shown impressive fuel properties such as lower viscosity, flashpoint, boiling point, and comparable calorific value to diesel. 1-Pentanol, which has a chain of five carbons and can easily be blended with both diesel and biodiesel, is a promising type of alcohol for the future. In this study, the influence of fuel injection pressure with ternary fuel (diesel + mahua methyl ester + pentanol) on engine characteristics of CRDI diesel engine was analyzed. The fuel injection pressure is varied from 20 to 50 MPa so that ternary fuel can be properly utilized. The high injection pressure of 50 MPa has better combustion characteristics and higher brake thermal efficiency (4.39%) value than other injection pressure values. A better mixture is formed due to well-atomized spray, and as a result, the levels of CO (22.24%), HC (9.49%), and smoke (7.5%) fall with the increase in injection pressure. The usage of ternary fuel raised the NOx emission (12.46%) value and specific fuel consumption (SFC) with a decrease in the BTE (brake thermal efficiency) which attributes to its properties and combustion characteristics.
