Production of marine algae methyl esters and evaluation of its engine performance and emission characteristics

Abstract

A number of critical factors influence the competitiveness of any biodiesel, including feedstock availability, production costs, byproducts produced, and government subsidies. In this situation, a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable supply of biodiesel is required. When compared to other non-edible oil sources, algal oil is a significant emerging non-edible biodiesel source. The current study includes tests on pure diesel and its three algae oil blends. When the properties of the biodiesel made from the oils were tested, the results were within the acceptable limits. The engine test results show that, aside from NOX emissions, biodiesel blends emit very little carbon when compared to diesel. When biodiesel blends were used, the engine required more fuel. The results of the performance tests revealed that the biodiesel blends had better and more complete combustion. This research shows that biodiesel blends of up to 20 % can be a better substitute for pure diesel fuel and can be used in CI engines without modification.