THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES
The increasing demands for sustainable energy and stringent emission regulations have prompted the exploration of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines. This study investigates the effects of conventional diesel and various biodiesel blends on the performance, emission, and combustion cha...
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| Дата: | 2026 |
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| Автори: | , , , , |
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Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
2026
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Vidnovluvana energetika| _version_ | 1871104120590434304 |
|---|---|
| author | Sekharraj , K. Balu, P. Giriprasath , A. Rathinasuriyan , C. Didkivska , H. |
| author_facet | Sekharraj , K. Balu, P. Giriprasath , A. Rathinasuriyan , C. Didkivska , H. |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
{
"author": "K. Sekharraj ",
"institution": "Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India"
},
{
"author": " P. Balu",
"institution": "Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India"
},
{
"author": "A. Giriprasath ",
"institution": "Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Puducherry, India"
},
{
"author": "C. Rathinasuriyan ",
"institution": "Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai, India"
},
{
"author": "H. Didkivska ",
"institution": "Institute of Renewable Energy, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine"
}
] |
| author_sort | Sekharraj , K. |
| baseUrl_str | https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| datestamp_date | 2026-07-18T06:32:24Z |
| description | The increasing demands for sustainable energy and stringent emission regulations have prompted the exploration of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines. This study investigates the effects of conventional diesel and various biodiesel blends on the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of direct injection (DI) diesel engines. The study aims to identify the most suitable biodiesel blend that can serve as a viable alternative to conventional diesel fuel, providing high engine efficiency with reduced environmental impact. The rise in consumption, environmental emissions, and the cost of petrol make the energy recovery from trash a top priority. Not only can biodiesel meet energy demands, but it can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it an important source of renewable energy. An experimental study of diesel and many different biodiesel blends was conducted to analyse their performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics. To prepare the emulsified fuel and go on with further experimental work, this effort aimed to identify the optimal biodiesel blends.  The results of this paper showed that among all other biodiesel blends with various compositions, Syzygy Cumini (SC) biodiesel 20% by volume with diesel (SC20) was the best mix. Based on the outcomes of performance, combustion, and emission metrics, it was selected. Overall, SC20 biodiesel was identified as the optimal blend, offering a promising balance between engine performance, combustion stability, and lower exhaust emissions, thus supporting its potential use in existing diesel engines without modifications. |
| doi_str_mv | 10.36296/1819-8058.2026.1(84).311-319 |
| first_indexed | 2026-03-31T01:00:10Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
311
Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
6.24: 004.942 https://doi.org/10.36296/1819-8058.2026.1(84).311-319
THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE,
EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES
Received May 07, 2025; accepted Mar. 23, 2026
Available online Mar. 31, 2026
Sekharraj K.1, Balu P.2, Giriprasath A.3,
Rathinasuriyan C.4, Didkivska H.5
Author for correspondence: Balu Pandian
e-mail: balumitauto@gmail.com
Abstract. The increasing demands for sustainable energy and
stringent emission regulations have prompted the explora-
tion of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines. This
study investigates the effects of conventional diesel and var-
ious biodiesel blends on the performance, emission, and com-
bustion characteristics of direct injection (DI) diesel engines.
The study aims to identify the most suitable biodiesel blend
that can serve as a viable alternative to conventional diesel
fuel, providing high engine efficiency with reduced environ-
mental impact. The rise in consumption, environmental emis-
sions, and the cost of petrol make the energy recovery from
trash a top priority. Not only can biodiesel meet energy de-
mands, but it can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
making it an important source of renewable energy. An ex-
perimental study of diesel and many different biodiesel
blends was conducted to analyse their performance, emis-
sions, and combustion characteristics. To prepare the emulsified fuel and go on with further experimental work,
this effort aimed to identify the optimal biodiesel blends. The results of this paper showed that among all other
biodiesel blends with various compositions, Syzygy Cumini (SC) biodiesel 20% by volume with diesel (SC20) was
the best mix. Based on the outcomes of performance, combustion, and emission metrics, it was selected. Overall,
SC20 biodiesel was identified as the optimal blend, offering a promising balance between engine performance,
combustion stability, and lower exhaust emissions, thus supporting its potential use in existing diesel engines with-
out modifications.
Key words: diesel engine, biodiesels, performance, emissions, combustion, renewable energy.
ВПЛИВ ДИЗЕЛЬНОГО ПАЛИВА ТА РІЗНИХ СУМІШЕЙ БІОДИЗЕЛЮ НА РОБОЧІ
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ, ОБСЯГИ ВИКИДІВ ТА ПРОЦЕС ЗГОРЯННЯ В ДИЗЕЛЬНИХ ДВИГУНАХ ІЗ
БЕЗПОСЕРЕДНІМ УПОРСКУВАННЯМ ПАЛИВА
Отримано 07 трав. 2025 р.; рекомендовано до публікації 23 бер. 2026 р.
Доступно онлайн 31 бер. 2026 р.
Секхаррадж K.¹, Балу П.², Гіріпрасат A.³,
Ратінасуріян C.⁴, Дідківська Г.⁵
Автор для кореспонденції: Балу Пандіан
e-mail: balumitauto@gmail.com
Анотація. Зростання попиту на енергію зі сталих джерел
та посилення вимог щодо обмеження викидів стимулюють
пошук альтернативних видів палива для двигунів внутріш-
нього згоряння. У цій роботі досліджено вплив традиційного
1 наук. співроб. кафедри машинобудування
https://orcid.org/ 0009-0004-3562-9957
2 доцент кафедри машинобудування
https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-3480-1116
3 асистент кафедри машинобудування
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9219-294X
4 доцент кафедри машинобудування
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7380-3064
5 канд. техн. наук
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8314-9606
1, 2 Університет PRIST, Танджавур, Тамілнад,
Індія
3 Університет Малайзії, Паханг, Малайзія
4 Інститут вищої освіти та досліджень Бхарат,
Ченнаї, Тамілнад, Індія
5 Інститут відновлюваної енергетики НАН Ук-
раїни, Київ, Україна
1 Research Scholar,
Department of Automobile Engineering
https://orcid.org/ 0009-0004-3562-9957
2 Associate Professor,
Department of Automobile Engineering
https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-3480-1116
3 Associate Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9219-294X
4 Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7380-3064
5 PhD (Engin.)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8314-9606
1, 2 Bharath Institute of Higher Education and
Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College,
Puducherry, India
4 Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D
Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi,
Chennai, India
5 Institute of Renewable Energy, NAS of Ukraine,
Kyiv, Ukraine
312
Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
дизельного палива та різних сумішей біодизеля на робочі
характеристики, обсяги викидів і процес згоряння палива
в дизельних двигунах з безпосереднім упорскуванням. Ме-
тою дослідження є визначення найбільш придатної су-
міші біодизеля, яка може слугувати життєздатною аль-
тернативою традиційному дизельному паливу,
забезпечуючи високу ефективність роботи двигуна за
одночасного зменшення негативного впливу на довкілля.
Зростання обсягів споживання палива, обсягів шкідливих
викидів та вартості бензину зумовлює актуальність ге-
нерації енергії з відходів. Біодизельне паливо здатне не лише задовольнити потреби в енергії, а й змен-
шити викиди парникових газів, що робить його важливим джерелом відновлюваної енергії. Експериме-
нтальне дослідження дизельного палива та різних сумішей біодизеля було проведено з метою аналізу
їх експлуатаційних, екологічних характеристик та показників згоряння. У межах роботи також було
визначено оптимальні суміші біодизеля для приготування емульсійного палива й подальших експериме-
нтальних досліджень. Результати дослідження доводять, що серед усіх досліджених сумішей біодизеля
з різним складом найкращі показники продемонструвала суміш біодизеля Syzygy Cumini (SC) у кількості
20% за об’ємом з дизельним паливом (SC20). Саме її було обрано на основі комплексної оцінки показників
роботи двигуна, процесу згоряння та викидів. Загалом біодизельна суміш SC20 визначена як оптима-
льна, оскільки забезпечує збалансоване поєднання високої ефективності роботи двигуна, стабільності
згоряння та зниження рівню викидів відпрацьованих газів, що підтверджує можливість її використання
в існуючих дизельних двигунах без конструктивних модифікацій.
Ключові слова: дизельний двигун, біодизель, експлуатаційні характеристики, викиди, згоряння, віднов-
лювана енергія.
1. Introduction
As the average energy consumption of the transport sector
rises by 2.0% annually, the operationalisation of a better
transport system boosts the economy of any nation. Energy
demand and consumption have grown as a result of indus-
trialisation. In the beginning, crude oil was utilised as a sub-
stitute to supply the energy demand, and starting in 1970,
there was a global scarcity of crude oil. Researchers and sci-
entists have been working on creating alternative fuels to
address this problem globally [1]. Increased use of vehicles
as a result of population expansion has increased toxic pet-
rol emissions into the atmosphere. Diesel engines are often
used in transportation, industry, and agriculture due to
their dependability, combustion efficiency, and power out-
put [2]. In recent years, however, internal combustion en-
gines have been subject to increasing pollution and emis-
sion concerns due to the development of low-emission and
efficient engines. The most popular of these alternative
fuels is biodiesel. The characteristics of biodiesel are similar
to those of diesel since it is renewable, biodegradable, and
non-toxic. This allows it to be blended with diesel [3]. At the
same time, ternary blends may be created by combining bi-
odiesel as a co-solvent with diesel and other fuels that in-
clude oxygen. However, because of its detrimental impact
on engine performance, biodiesel cannot be utilised di-
rectly on diesel engines. Alcohol and diesel are encouraged
to combine because the polar head of the biodiesel mole-
cule is directed towards the alcohol, and the non-polar tail
is directed towards the fuel. We all know that incomplete
fuel combustion is the primary cause of soot, THC, and CO
emissions. Due to its high oxygen concentration, biodiesel
can solve the issues [4]. And other studies on these emis-
sions have already shown encouraging findings. Numerous
researchers have investigated the combustion and emis-
sion characteristics of diesel engines powered by different
kinds of biodiesels using experimental and modelling meth-
ods [5]. By releasing oxygen atoms from its chemical struc-
ture, biodiesel boosts combustion efficiency and lowers air
pollution by reducing particulate matter (PM), carbon mon-
oxide (CO), and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. In addition,
diesel and biodiesel can be mixed in any ratio. The low cal-
orific value and low volatility of biodiesel fuel, as well as its
poor cold flow qualities, are just some of the disadvantages
of the fuel. The emission of nitrogen oxides would also be
higher with biodiesel fuel, according to several experts [6].
The combustion and emissions characteristics of diesel en-
gines fuelled by biodiesel-diesel blends have been studied
in order to enhance the quality of biodiesel [7]. The main
aim of this paper is to compile experimental research on
diesel-biodiesel blends in an effort to increase performance
and reduce hazardous emissions.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1 Preparation of Citrullus Lanatus
The preparation of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) biodiesel
involves a series of steps beginning with the collection and
processing of mature watermelon seeds. The seeds are ex-
tracted from the fruit, thoroughly washed to remove pulp
residues, and sun-dried for several days to reduce moisture
content. Once dried, the seeds are crushed and subjected
to mechanical pressing using a screw-type expeller to ex-
tract the crude oil. The extracted oil is then filtered to
1, 2 Інститут вищої освіти та досліджень «Бха-
рат», м. Ченнаї, штат Тамілнад, Індія
3 Технічний коледж «Шрі Манакула Віная-
гар», м. Пудучеррі, Індія
4 Науково-дослідний інститут науки й техно-
логії «Вел Тек Рангараджан» ім д-ра Сагун-
тала, м. Аваді, Ченнаї, Індія
5 Інститут відновлюваної енергетики НАН
України, Київ, Україна
313
Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
remove solid impurities and stored in clean, airtight con-
tainers. Before transesterification, the physicochemical
properties of the crude oil, such as acid value and free fatty
acid (FFA) content, are determined. If the FFA level exceeds
2%, a two-step process is employed: initial acid esterifica-
tion using methanol and sulfuric acid to reduce FFA, fol-
lowed by base-catalyzed transesterification with methanol
and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the catalyst. The reaction
is maintained at around 60°C with continuous stirring, and
after the completion of the process, the mixture is allowed
to settle into two layers: crude glycerol and biodiesel. The
biodiesel layer is then washed repeatedly with warm dis-
tilled water to remove impurities and dried to eliminate
moisture and residual alcohol. The purified watermelon
seed biodiesel is finally analyzed for its key fuel properties,
ensuring it meets the ASTM D6751 or EN 14214 standards
for biodiesel fuels (Fig. 1, Table 1).
Fig. 1. Biodiesel preparation
Table 1. Fuel Characteristics of Citrullus Colocynthis, Syzygium Cumini (Jamun), and Diesel
S.No Property Diesel Citrullus Colocynthis
Syzygium Cumini
(Jamun)
1 Molecular weight (gm/mol) 160 815.62 918.54
2 Stoichiometric air fuel ratio 33.5 N/A N/A
3 Flame velocity (cm/s) 27 30 34
4 Auto-ignition temperature (K) 534 715 700-830
5 Heat of combustion (kJ/kg) 40.3 74 64
6 Density of gas at NTP (g/cm3) 0.85 0.78 0.74
7 Octane number - 84 55
8 Cetane number 45-55 40 45
9 Boiling point (K) 550-630 370 340 - 405
10 Specific gravity 0.78 0.845 0.918
3. Experimental Setup
The experimental investigation was carried out on a single-
cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection (DI) diesel engine cou-
pled to an eddy-current dynamometer for applying con-
trolled loads. Biodiesel was produced from Citrullus lanatus
seed oil through an alkali-catalyzed transesterification pro-
cess, and blends were prepared in predetermined propor-
tions. The engine was equipped with a calibrated fuel meas-
urement system, thermocouples for recording coolant,
lubricating oil, exhaust, and inlet-air temperatures, and a pi-
ezoelectric in-cylinder pressure transducer synchronized
with a high-resolution crank angle encoder to capture cycle-
resolved combustion data. Exhaust emissions, including CO,
HC, and NOx, were measured using an automotive gas ana-
lyzer, while smoke opacity was determined using a standard
smoke meter. At each test point, the engine was stabilized at
the rated speed and loads ranging from no-load to full load,
and steady-state data were recorded for fuel consumption,
brake power, emissions, and pressure traces (Fig. 2, Table 2).
The heat release rate and ignition delay were computed
from the averaged pressure-crank angle diagrams, enabling
a comprehensive assessment of the influence of Citrullus la-
natus biodiesel and its blends on engine performance, emis-
sions, and combustion characteristics.
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Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
Fig. 2. Experiment setup
Table 2. Specifications of the Engine
Engine make Kirloskar AV-1
Type Single cylinder& water cooled
Bore × Stroke 80 × 110 mm
Displacement 550 CC
Max. power 3.7 kW at 1500 rpm
Fuel injection timing 23° bTDC
Compression ratio 16.5:1
Loading device Electrical Dynamometer
4. Results and Discussion
4.1 Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE)
A comparison in Fig. 3 is shown between the thermal per-
formance of diesel brakes, Citrullus Colocynthis brakes,
GGG20 brakes, Mordica Charantia brakes, and Syzygy
Cumini brakes without changing the manufacturer's set-
tings. The experimental results revealed that all fuels, in-
cluding the reference diesel and the biodiesel blends, ex-
hibited their maximum brake thermal efficiency at three-
fourths of the full load. Among the tested blends, SC20
(20% Syzygium cumini biodiesel with 80% diesel) demon-
strated the most favorable performance characteristics un-
der this load condition. With increasing load, brake thermal
efficiency increased. Diesel was found to have a braking
thermal efficiency of 28.57% at 3/4 load. Comparing CC20,
GGG20, MC20, and SC20 to diesel, the brake thermal effi-
ciency decreased by 3.6%, 4.5%, 5.5%, and 3.0%, respec-
tively. A number of variables affect an engine's brake ther-
mal efficiency, but the heating value and specific gravity are
the most important ones. The lower calorific value and
higher viscosity of biodiesel fuels compared to diesel fuel
may be the cause of the decline. Because SC20 has a little
lower viscosity than other biodiesel fuels and hence better
atomization than the other biodiesel blends, it marginally
reduces brake thermal efficiency when compared to diesel.
Additionally, it was discovered that its calorific value was
larger than that of other biodiesel fuels [8].
4.2 Specific Energy Consumption (SEC)
Fig. 4 depict the precise energy consumption of several bi-
odiesel blends (test fuels) and diesel (the reference fuel). At
part load, it was discovered that the specific energy con-
sumption was decreasing, but at full load, it rose for both
the reference fuel and the test fuel. Figure 4 shows that die-
sel has a lower specific energy consumption when com-
pared to other biodiesel mixes. It can be because biodiesel
fuel has a lower heating value than diesel. Diesel was de-
termined to have a maximum specific energy consumption
of 16020.4 kJ/kWh at full load conditions. For CC20, GGG20,
MC20, and SC20, the increases in specific energy consump-
tion were determined to be 16.57%, 19.53%, 21.79%, and
7.58%, respectively. The engine used more fuel than diesel
to produce the same amount of power since biodiesel fuel
has a lower calorific value. Compared to other biodiesel
blends, Syzygy Cumini's fuel has the lowest specific energy
usage. Syzygy Cumini biodiesel's lower specific energy con-
sumption may be due to its increased calorific value [9].
4.3 Unburnt Hydrocarbon (HC) Emission
Fig. 5 shows that hydrocarbon emission reduced until it
reached the third-fourths load condition before increasing
once more until the maximum condition was attained. The
hydrocarbon might be present because of inefficient com-
bustion brought on by a rich fuel mixture or a lack of oxygen
for efficient combustion. At maximum load, diesel's hydro-
carbon emission was determined to be 75 ppm. When us-
ing CC20, GGG20, MC20, and SC20 biodiesel fuels, respec-
tively, the decrease in hydrocarbon emissions were
determined to be 6.257%, 5.423%, 3.257%, and 7.564%. All
biodiesel blends were shown to emit less hydrocarbons
than diesel, according to research. Compared to diesel, bi-
odiesel fuels produced fewer hydrocarbon emissions be-
cause the oxygen presence accelerated the combustion
process. With SC20 biodiesel fuel, hydrocarbon emissions
were reduced the most among all biodiesel fuels [10].
315
Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
Fig. 3. Brake thermal efficiency vs load
Fig. 4. Specific energy consumption vs load
4.4 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emission
It can be seen from Fig. 6 that as the braking power in-
creased, carbon monoxide emissions dropped. A maximum
CO emission of 0.099% was determined for diesel, but
0.088%, 0.075%, 0.063%, and 0.053% were reduced for
CC20, GGG20, MC20, and SC20, respectively. The carbon
monoxide (CO) emissions for all biodiesel blends were ob-
served to be slightly higher than those of diesel at lower
load conditions, as shown in the figure. However, at higher
loads (particularly at three-fourths of the load), CO emis-
sions gradually decreased due to improved combustion ef-
ficiency. Contrary to the general expectation that biodiesel
blends reduce CO emissions due to their inherent oxygen
content, the figure shows that SC20 emitted marginally
higher CO than diesel at part load, possibly due to incom-
plete combustion under suboptimal air–fuel mixing. These
variations highlight the influence of load conditions and
combustion characteristics on emission behavior and em-
phasize the need to interpret biodiesel emissions data in
context with engine operating parameters [11].
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Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
Fig. 5. Unburnt hydrocarbon vs load
Fig. 6. Carbon monoxide vs load
4.5 Smoke Opacity
Fig. 7 shows that when the load increased, the smoke opac-
ity rose for both the test fuels (biodiesel blends) and the
reference fuel (diesel). Diesel fuel was found to emit 38.98
HSU of smoke opacity at maximum load. For CC20, GGG20,
MC20, and SC20, the corresponding increases in smoke
opacity were determined to be 6.2 HSU, 7.6 HSU, 8.1 HSU,
and 4.2 HSU. The larger molecules in biodiesel may have
produced poor atomization at greater loads, which further
contributed to incomplete combustion. The slower combu-
stion response may be caused by the higher viscosity of
biodiesel fuels. However, when compared to other Syzygy
Cumini and other biodiesel blend ratios, SC20 biodiesel pro-
duced the least amount of smoke opacity emissions. Lower
smoke emissions may be caused by SC20 biodiesel's lower
viscosity compared to other biodiesel blends [12].
4.6 Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Emission
Fig. 8 compares the nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced by die-
sel and different biodiesel blends. At low start load condi-
tions, the NOx emission was shown to be high, and it rose
with increasing load. The explanations for the increased
NOx emission at higher loads were greater fuel intake and
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Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
rich combustion. The NOx emissions from diesel fuel with
426 ppm were lower than those from other biodiesel
blends. All other biodiesel mixes were likewise shown to
have higher NOx emissions. When compared to diesel, the
increase in NOx emission for CC20, GGG20, MC20, and SC20
was determined to be 14.56%, 8.59%, 4.63%, and 20.27%,
respectively. The SC20 biodiesel mix was determined to
have the highest oxides of nitrogen emission out of all bio-
diesel fuels. At peak flame temperatures, oxygen interacts
with nitrogen, leading to combustion [13].
Fig. 7. Smoke opacity vs load
Fig. 8. Oxides of nitrogen vs load
4.7 Cylinder Pressure
Fig. 9 compares the cylinder pressures of the diesel, CC20,
GGG20, MC20, and SC20 engines without altering the man-
ufacturer's specifications. Diesel was discovered to have a
74 bar peak pressure. Comparing CC20, GGG20, MC20, and
SC20 to diesel, the peak pressure was reduced by 8.54%,
9.34%, 12.55%, and 3.27%, respectively. The SC20 biodiesel
was determined to have the least peak pressure reduction.
Syzygy Cumini biodiesel's higher calorific value and lower
viscosity than the other biodiesel blends might be to blame
for this. Syzygy Cumini biodiesel has lower viscosity than
318
Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
other biodiesel blends because its molecules are smaller
than those of other biodiesel blends, which improves atom-
ization [14]. With better air and fuel mixing than the other
biodiesel fuels and lower viscosity than the other biodiesel
blends, it can be said that there was improved combustion.
Therefore, it may be deduced that the combustion was su-
perior to that of the other biodiesel fuels due to greater air
and fuel mixing [15].
Fig. 9. Cylinder pressure vs crank angle
4.8 Heat Release Rate (HRR)
The rate of heat loss for diesel and different biodiesel mixes
is shown in Fig. 10. By 85.6 J/deg CA, diesel fuel was shown
to have the lowest peak heat release. For CC20, GGG20,
MC20, and SC20, respectively, the maximal heat release
rates were determined to be 84.5 J/deg CA, 83.2 J/deg CA,
85.6 J/deg CA, and 81.5 J/deg CA. All biodiesel fuels were
found to have longer ignition delays than diesel. It could be
because they have a lower cetane value than diesel. A
lower cetane value lengthened the ignition delay period,
causing more fuel to accumulate and, as a result, more heat
to be released than with diesel fuel. It was discovered that
the heat release rate of SC20 biodiesel fuel was virtually as
fast as that of diesel. The fuel molecules' inability to reach
the self-ignition temperature right away after absorbing
heat may be the cause of the negative heat release [16].
Fig. 10. Heat Release Rate vs crank angle
Conclusion
This study comprehensively evaluated the performance, com-
bustion, and emission characteristics of a direct injection (DI)
diesel engine fueled with diesel and various biodiesel blends
derived from Syzygium cumini (SC20), Citrullus colocynthis
(CC20), Garcinia gummi-gutta (GGG20), and Mordica char-
antia (MC20). The experimental results demonstrated that the
maximum brake thermal efficiency for all fuels was achieved
at three-fourths of full load, with SC20 showing an efficiency
nearly equal to that of pure diesel. Combustion analysis indi-
cated smoother heat release and shorter ignition delays for bi-
odiesel blends, particularly SC20, due to its higher cetane num-
ber and oxygen content. Emission analysis revealed that while
most biodiesel blends reduced smoke, unburned hydro-
319
Відновлювана енергетика. № 1/2026 | Біоенергетика
carbons (UHC), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), CO emissions were
slightly higher for SC20 compared to diesel under part-load
conditions, as indicated in the emission plots. Nitrogen oxide
(NOx) emissions showed a moderate increase with all bio-
diesel blends due to enhanced combustion temperatures.
Among all tested blends, SC20 emerged as the most balanced
fuel, offering diesel-comparable performance with significant
environmental benefits, especially under partial load. These
findings support the feasibility of using Syzygium cumini bio-
diesel in existing diesel engines with minimal modifications,
contributing to cleaner and more sustainable engine opera-
tion.The best biodiesel tested was Syzygy Cumini (SC) biodiesel
(20% by volume with diesel). The enhanced performance and
reduced hazardous emissions observed with the diesel–bio-
diesel blends result from the oxygenated nature of biodiesel,
which improves the completeness of combustion. This leads
to higher heat-release rates and more stable combustion,
thereby contributing to marginal increases in brake thermal
efficiency. Simultaneously, the improved oxidation process re-
duces the formation of CO, HC, and smoke due to lower car-
bon content and better fuel–air mixing. Across all tested
blends, these mechanisms collectively demonstrate that bio-
diesel contributes to cleaner combustion without compromis-
ing overall engine performance, confirming its suitability as a
partial substitute for conventional diesel in practical applica-
tions. Furthermore, higher proportions of water and second-
ary biodiesel fuels with water content might be investigated.
Moreover, endurance tests as a continuous part of this exper-
imental investigation would provide insight into engine wear
and tear.
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|
| id | veorgua-article-614 |
| institution | Vidnovluvana energetika |
| keywords_txt_mv | keywords |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-07-19T01:19:03Z |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publisher | Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine |
| record_format | ojs |
| resource_txt_mv | veorgua/62/e422737b333a9c4ab63c4f6e26513b62.pdf |
| spelling | veorgua-article-6142026-07-18T06:32:24Z THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES ВПЛИВ ДИЗЕЛЬНОГО ПАЛИВА ТА РІЗНИХ СУМІШЕЙ БІОДИЗЕЛЮ НА РОБОЧІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ, ОБСЯГИ ВИКИДІВ ТА ПРОЦЕС ЗГОРЯННЯ В ДИЗЕЛЬНИХ ДВИГУНАХ ІЗ БЕЗПОСЕРЕДНІМ УПОРСКУВАННЯМ ПАЛИВА Sekharraj , K. Balu, P. Giriprasath , A. Rathinasuriyan , C. Didkivska , H. diesel engine, biodiesels, performance, emissions, combustion, renewable energy. дизельний двигун, біодизель, експлуатаційні характеристики, викиди, згоряння, відновлювана енергія. The increasing demands for sustainable energy and stringent emission regulations have prompted the exploration of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines. This study investigates the effects of conventional diesel and various biodiesel blends on the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of direct injection (DI) diesel engines. The study aims to identify the most suitable biodiesel blend that can serve as a viable alternative to conventional diesel fuel, providing high engine efficiency with reduced environmental impact. The rise in consumption, environmental emissions, and the cost of petrol make the energy recovery from trash a top priority. Not only can biodiesel meet energy demands, but it can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it an important source of renewable energy. An experimental study of diesel and many different biodiesel blends was conducted to analyse their performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics. To prepare the emulsified fuel and go on with further experimental work, this effort aimed to identify the optimal biodiesel blends.  The results of this paper showed that among all other biodiesel blends with various compositions, Syzygy Cumini (SC) biodiesel 20% by volume with diesel (SC20) was the best mix. Based on the outcomes of performance, combustion, and emission metrics, it was selected. Overall, SC20 biodiesel was identified as the optimal blend, offering a promising balance between engine performance, combustion stability, and lower exhaust emissions, thus supporting its potential use in existing diesel engines without modifications. Зростання попиту на енергію зі сталих джерел та посилення вимог щодо обмеження викидів стимулюють пошук альтернативних видів палива для двигунів внутрішнього згоряння. У цій роботі досліджено вплив традиційного дизельного палива та різних сумішей біодизеля на робочі характеристики, обсяги викидів і процес згоряння палива в дизельних двигунах з безпосереднім упорскуванням. Метою дослідження є визначення найбільш придатної суміші біодизеля, яка може слугувати життєздатною альтернативою традиційному дизельному паливу, забезпечуючи високу ефективність роботи двигуна за одночасного зменшення негативного впливу на довкілля. Зростання обсягів споживання палива, обсягів шкідливих викидів та вартості бензину зумовлює актуальність генерації енергії з відходів. Біодизельне паливо здатне не лише задовольнити потреби в енергії, а й зменшити викиди парникових газів, що робить його важливим джерелом відновлюваної енергії. Експериментальне дослідження дизельного палива та різних сумішей біодизеля було проведено з метою аналізу їх експлуатаційних, екологічних характеристик та показників згоряння. У межах роботи також було визначено оптимальні суміші біодизеля для приготування емульсійного палива й подальших експериментальних досліджень. Результати дослідження доводять, що серед усіх досліджених сумішей біодизеля з різним складом найкращі показники продемонструвала суміш біодизеля Syzygy Cumini (SC) у кількості 20% за об’ємом з дизельним паливом (SC20). Саме її було обрано на основі комплексної оцінки показників роботи двигуна, процесу згоряння та викидів. Загалом біодизельна суміш SC20 визначена як оптимальна, оскільки забезпечує збалансоване поєднання високої ефективності роботи двигуна, стабільності згоряння та зниження рівню викидів відпрацьованих газів, що підтверджує можливість її використання в існуючих дизельних двигунах без конструктивних модифікацій. Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2026-03-30 Article Article application/pdf https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/614 10.36296/1819-8058.2026.1(84).311-319 Vidnovluvana energetika ; No. 1(84) (2026): Scientific and applied Journal renewable energy ; 311-319 Возобновляемая энергетика; ##issue.no## 1(84) (2026): Scientific and applied Journal renewable energy ; 311-319 Відновлювана енергетика; № 1(84) (2026): Науково-прикладний журнал Відновлювана енергетика; 311-319 2664-8172 1819-8058 10.36296/1819-8058.2026.1(84) en https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/614/525 Copyright (c) 2026 K. Sekharraj , P. Balu, A. Giriprasath , C. Rathinasuriyan , H. Didkivska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 |
| spellingShingle | diesel engine biodiesels performance emissions combustion renewable energy. Sekharraj , K. Balu, P. Giriprasath , A. Rathinasuriyan , C. Didkivska , H. THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES |
| title | THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES |
| title_alt | ВПЛИВ ДИЗЕЛЬНОГО ПАЛИВА ТА РІЗНИХ СУМІШЕЙ БІОДИЗЕЛЮ НА РОБОЧІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ, ОБСЯГИ ВИКИДІВ ТА ПРОЦЕС ЗГОРЯННЯ В ДИЗЕЛЬНИХ ДВИГУНАХ ІЗ БЕЗПОСЕРЕДНІМ УПОРСКУВАННЯМ ПАЛИВА |
| title_full | THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES |
| title_fullStr | THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES |
| title_full_unstemmed | THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES |
| title_short | THE IMPACT OF DIESEL AND VARIOUS BLENDS OF BIODIESEL ON PERFORMANCE, EMISSIONS, AND COMBUSTION IN DI DIESEL ENGINES |
| title_sort | impact of diesel and various blends of biodiesel on performance, emissions, and combustion in di diesel engines |
| topic | diesel engine biodiesels performance emissions combustion renewable energy. |
| topic_facet | diesel engine biodiesels performance emissions combustion renewable energy. дизельний двигун біодизель експлуатаційні характеристики викиди згоряння відновлювана енергія. |
| url | https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/614 |
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