IJIRST International Journal for Innovative Research in Science & Technology| Volume 3 | Issue 02 | July 2016

ISSN (online): 2349-6010

Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil

Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression
Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust
Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Mr. S. S. Sajane
PG Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. J.J. Magdum College of Engineering, Jaysingpur, Shivaji
University, Kolhapur, India

Prof. S. M. Shaikh
Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. J.J. Magdum College of Engineering, Jaysingpur, Shivaji
University, Kolhapur, India

Dr. S. N. Bobade
Associate Research Work Co-ordinator
Indian Biodiesel Corporation Baramati, India

Abstract
An effort has been taken to study the performance and emission characteristics of a Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) diesel
engine fuelled with biodiesel (Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester-ROME) using EGR. Experiments are conducted on a single cylinder,
four-stroke diesel engine powered by Variable Compression ratio with 0%, 5%, 10 % and 15% EGR keeping the load constant
i.e. 12kg. Various engine performance parameters such as Brake thermal efficiency; Specific Fuel Consumption, Mechanical
efficiency etc. were calculated from acquired data. The engine performance and efficiency obtained with biodiesel was less as
compared to diesel which can be attributed to lower calorific value of biodiesel. At CR-18, the performance and emission
parameters for ROME are better when compared to other compression ratio. This indicates the feasibility of using ROME as an
alternative fuel for diesel. With application of EGR the NO emissions were considerably reduced. However using EGR at high
levels result in certain penalties. It increases CO and HC emissions and also affects the performance. The purpose of this Paper is
to determine the possibility of using biodiesel as an alternative fuel for petro diesel and effect of EGR on emission
Characteristics of Engine.
Keywords: Biodiesel, EGR, Emissions, NOx, VCR
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I.

INTRODUCTION

To fulfill the energy demand of the world, the search for energy independence and concern for a cleaner environment have
generated significant National interest in biodiesel, despite its shortcomings. India happens to be worlds fourth largest consumer
of crude and petroleum products after United States, China and Japan. The net oil import dependency of India rose from 43% in
1990 to 71% in 2012 that resulted in a huge strain on the current account. Evidently Indias energy security would remain
vulnerable until alternative fuels are developed to substitute or supplement petro-based fuels. Biodiesel is an alternative diesel
fuel which can be obtained from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats and methyl or ethyl alcohols in the
presence of a catalyst (alkali or acidic). Rudolph Diesel, the father of diesel engine, demonstrated the first use of vegetable oil in
compression ignition engine in 1910. He used peanut oil as fuel for his experimental engine.
There are, at least, five reasons that justify the development of biodiesel.
1) It provides a market for excess production of vegetable oils and animal fats.
2) Biodiesel is renewable and does not contribute to global warming due to its closed carbon cycle.
3) It decreases, although will not eliminate, the countrys dependence on imported petroleum.
4) The exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions from biodiesel are lower
than with regular diesel fuel. Unfortunately, most emissions tests have shown a slight increase in oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
5) When added to regular diesel fuel in certain amount, it can convert fuel with poor lubricating properties into an acceptable
fuel.
The depletion of fossil fuel and the impact of increasing environmental pollution from exhaust gas emissions have led the
search for alternative fuels. To solve environmental concern and energy concern, the renewable energies with lower
environmental pollution impact is necessary. Since last few years, stringent emission regulations have been imposed on NOx,
smoke and particulate emissions emitted from automotive diesel engines worldwide. Diesel engines are typically characterized
by low fuel consumption and very low CO emissions. However, the NOx emissions from diesel engines still remain high. Hence,

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

in order to meet the environmental regulations, it is highly desirable to reduce the amount of NOx in the exhaust gas. EGR is
good technique to reduce all regulated emissions from diesel engine.
II. THEORY
Rapeseed:
Rapeseed is a bright-yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage family). Rapeseed oil was
produced in the 19th century as a source of a lubricant for steam engines. It was less useful as food for animals or humans
because it has a bitter taste due to high levels of glucosinolates. According to the United States Department of Agriculture,
rapeseed was the third-leading source of vegetable oil in the world in 2000, after soybean and palm oil. Leading producers of
Rapeseed include the European Union, Canada, China, India and Australia. Rapeseed oil is positioned to supply a good portion
of the vegetable oils needed to produce that fuel. Every ton of rapeseed yields about 400 kg of oil. Worldwide production of
rapeseed was 61 million metric tons (MT) in 2011. China was the top rapeseed producing country, producing 14.7 million MT,
and India was second, producing about 7.3 million MT.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation:
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system's purpose is to reduce NOx emissions that contribute to air pollution. Exhaust
mainly consists of CO2, N2 and water vapour. When a part of this exhaust gas is re-circulated to the combustion cylinder, it acts
as diluents. This also reduces the O2 concentration in the combustion chamber. A decrease in intake oxygen concentration
decreases NO emission. The EGR decreases local atomic oxygen concentration and local temperature, which in turn reduces the
NO formation rate. Temperature in the combustion chamber is more important factor in NO formation.The first EGR systems
were added to engines in 1973, and today most engines have an EGR system. As long as the EGR system is functioning
properly, it should have no noticeable effect on engine performance. But if the EGR system is leaking or inoperative, it can cause
driveability problems, including detonation (knocking or pinging when accelerating or under load), elevated NOx emissions and
even elevated hydrocarbon (HC) emissions in the exhaust. The EGR rate can be determined by
MEGR
EGR Rate =
X 100 (1)
MTotal
Where MEGR is Amount of exhaust gas recirculated and MTotal is Total gas entering into the cylinder.
Transesterification:
The major components of vegetable oils and animal fats are Triglycerides. To obtain biodiesel, the vegetable oil or
animal fat is subjected to a chemical reaction termed Transesterification.
The Transesterification process is the reaction of a triglyceride (fat/oil) with an alcohol to form esters and glycerol. A
triglyceride has a glycerine molecule as its base with three long chain fatty acids attached. The characteristics of the fat are
determined by the nature of the fatty acids attached to the glycerine. The nature of the fatty acids can in turn affect the
characteristics of the biodiesel. During the esterification process, the triglyceride is reacted with alcohol in the presence of a
catalyst, usually a strong alkaline like sodium hydroxide. The alcohol reacts with the fatty acids to form the mono-alkyl ester, or
biodiesel and crude glycerol. In most production methanol or ethanol is the alcohol used (methanol produces methyl esters,
ethanol produces ethyl esters) and is base catalyzed by either potassium or sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide has been
found to be more suitable for the ethyl ester biodiesel production; either base can be used for the methyl ester. A common
product of the transesterification process is Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME) produced from raw rapeseed oil reacted with
methanol. The figure below shows the chemical process for methyl ester biodiesel. The reaction between the fat or oil and the
alcohol is a reversible reaction and so the alcohol must be added in excess to drive the reaction towards the right and ensure
complete conversion.

Fig. 1.1: Chemical Process for Methyl Ester Biodiesel

Table 1
Fuel Properties
Test Description
Rapeseed Methyl Ester
Density, gm/cc
0.876
Calorific Value, MJ/kg
38.50

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

Cetane Number
Viscosity, Mm2/Sec
Flash Point, OC
Fire Point, OC
Ash

51.10
5.40
163
171
0.050

III. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

The setup consists of single cylinder, four stroke, VCR (Variable Compression Ratio) Diesel engine connected to eddy current
type dynamometer for loading. The compression ratio can be changed without stopping the engine and without altering the
combustion chamber geometry by specially designed tilting cylinder block arrangement. Setup is provided with necessary
instruments for combustion pressure and crank-angle measurements. These signals are interfaced to computer through engine
indicator for P - PV diagrams. Provision is also made for interfacing airflow, fuel flow, temperatures and load measurement.
The set up has stand-alone panel box consisting of air box, two fuel tanks for duel fuel test, manometer, fuel measuring unit,
transmitters for air and fuel flow measurements, process indicator and engine indicator. Rotameters are provided for cooling
water and calorimeter water flow measurement. The setup enables study of VCR engine performance for brake power, indicated
power, frictional power, BMEP, IMEP, brake thermal efficiency, indicated thermal efficiency, Mechanical efficiency, volumetric
efficiency, specific fuel consumption, A/F ratio and heat balance. Lab view based Engine Performance Analysis software
package EnginesoftLV is provided for on line performance evaluation. A computerized Diesel injection pressure measurement
is optionally provided.
Table 2
Test Engine Specifications
Make
Kirloskar
Number of cylinders and stroke Single cylinder with four strokes
Rated Power
3.5 kW
Rated RPM
1500
Cylinder Bore
87.5 mm
Stroke Length
110 mm
Compression Ratio
12:1 to 18:1

Photograph 1: Experimental set- up

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

IV. EXPERIMENTAL TEST PROCEDURE

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Ensure that all the nut bolts of engine, dynamometer, propller shaft, base frame are properly tightened.
Ensure that sufficient lubrication oil is present in the engine sump tank. This can be checked by marking on the level stick.
Ensure sufficient fuel in fuel tank. Remove air in fuel line, if any.
Switch on electric supply and ensure that DLU (Dynamometer loading unit), Load indicator and Voltmeter are switched on.
Start water pump. Adjust the flow rate of "Rotameter (Engine)" to 250-350 LPH and "Rotameter (Calorimeter)" to 75-100
LPH by manipulating respective globe valves provided at the rotameter inlet. Ensure that water is flowing through
dynamometer at a pressure of @ 0.5 to 1 Kg/cm2.
6) Adjust the required compression ratio.
7) Start the set up and run the engine at no load for 4-5 minutes.
8) Note down the observations for no load condition.
9) Note down the fuel consumption per 50cc of fuel.
10) Gradually increase the load to 12 kg on the engine by rotating dynamometer loading unit.
11) Wait for steady state (for @ 3 minutes) and collect the reading at full loads.
12) According to flow rate calculate the required air flow for 5 and 10% of EGR and adjust the valve by manual operation.
13) Now insert the probe of gas analyzer in the exhaust line and wait for the steady reading shown on the analyzer screen.
14) Gradually decrease the load to zero.
This procedure is followed for various compression Ratios with Biodiesel (Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester.
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Using the data obtained from experimental investigation, different parameters related to performance and emissions are
considered and graphs are plotted with respect to varying Compression Ratio and EGR rates. The results that are obtained is
discussed in following subsections.
Effect of EGR and Compression Ratio on Brake Power:

Fig. 1: Variation of Brake Power with EGR for Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester

Figure 1 shows effect of EGR & varying Compression ratio on Brake power for Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester (ROME). It is
observed that B.P is maximum for CR-18 (i.e. 3.41 kW) and minimum for CR-14 (i.e. 2.88 kW) for ROME. With
implementation of EGR, B.P starts decreasing for both the fuels. This may be due to dilution of charge.

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

Effect of EGR and Compression Ratio on Brake Thermal Efficiency:

Fig. 2: Variation of Brake Thermal Efficiency with EGR for Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester

Figure 2 shows effect of EGR & varying Compression ratio on Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) for Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester
(ROME). It is observed that BTE increases with Compression Ratio. With implementation of EGR, BTE is found to be
decreased. This is due to reduction in calorific value and increase in fuel consumption. BTE varies from 23.79% (at CR-18 with
0% EGR) to 12.82% (at CR-14 with 15% EGR).
Effect of EGR and Compression Ratio on Specific Fuel Consumption:

Fig. 3: Variation of Specific Fuel Consumption with EGR for Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester

Figure 3 shows effect of EGR & varying Compression ratio on Specific fuel Consumption (SFC) for Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester
(ROME). With increase in Compression ratio, SFC is found to be decreased. This is due to improved combustion at higher
compression ratio. However with increase in EGR rates,

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

Effect of EGR and Compression Ratio on Hydrocarbon Emissions:

Fig. 4: Variation of HC Emissions with EGR for Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester

Figure 4 shows effect of EGR & varying Compression ratio on Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions for Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester
(ROME). It is observed that HC emission decreases with increase in compression ratio. This is due to improvement in
combustion process. However HC emission increases with increasing EGR rates. This is due to reduction of oxygen
concentration in inlet charge as EGR is introduced into the cylinder which makes the charge diluted. At CR-18 and 10% EGR,
HC emissions are 89 ppm for ROME.
Effect of EGR and Compression Ratio on Carbon Monoxide Emissions:

Fig. 5: Variation of CO Emissions with EGR for Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester

Figure 5 shows variations of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emissions with EGR and varying compression ratio for Rapeseed oil
Methyl Ester (ROME). It can be observed that CO emission decreases with increase in compression ratio. At CR-18 and 10%
EGR, CO emissions are 0.45% Vol. for ROME. Increasing EGR flow rates results in rise of CO emissions. This is due to fact
that high EGR flow rates results in deficiency of oxygen in combustion process and incomplete combustion tends to increase CO
emissions.

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

Effect of EGR and Compression Ratio on Nitrogen Oxide Emissions:

Fig. 6: Variation of NO Emissions with EGR for Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester

Figure 6 shows Variation of Nitrogen Oxide (NO) emission with EGR and varying compression ratio for Rapeseed oil methyl
ester (ROME). It can be observed that NO emission increases with increase in compression ratio. ROME emits higher NO
emission due to higher oxygen content of biodiesel. It provides high local temperature and complete combustion of biodiesel.
The NO emission tends to decrease significantly with increase of EGR rate. This may be due to reduction in oxygen
concentration and reduced flame temperature.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
An experimental investigation was conducted to study Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) effect of Rapeseed oil Methyl Ester
(ROME) powered by Variable Compression Ratio diesel engine.
The conclusions from experimentation work are drawn as follows,
1) The calorific value of biodiesel i.e. Rapeseed oil methyl ester is less (38,500 kJ/kg) as compared to diesel (42,000 kJ/kg)
which causes increase in specific fuel consumption.
2) The present experimental result supports that Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester can be successfully used in existing diesel engine
without any modifications.
3) From experimental investigation it is found that with increase in compression ratio, Brake thermal efficiency increases and
specific fuel consumption decreases. In emission parameters, with increment in compression ratio emissions of carbon
monoxide (CO), Unburnt Hydrocarbons (HC) was found to be decreased. However emission of Nitrogen oxide (NO) was
increased with increase in compression ratio. With compression ratio 18, the performance and emission characteristics were
found to be better as compared to other compression ratios.
4) Biodiesel as an oxygenated fuel undergoes improved combustion in engine due to presence of molecular oxygen that leads
to higher Nitrogen oxide emissions. This higher NO emissions can be effectively controlled by employing Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR). Exhaust Gas Recirculation lowers the oxygen concentration in combustion chamber resulting into
lower Nitrogen oxide emissions. However application of EGR also resulted in some penalties. EGR increases Hydrocarbon
and Carbon monoxide emissions. At higher EGR rates Brake power, Brake thermal efficiency, Mechanical Efficiency are
decreased whereas specific fuel consumption is increased. At CR-18 and 10% EGR, NO emissions are reduced by 57.6 %
for ROME.
In summary engine operation with Rapeseed oil methyl ester while employing EGR at lower rates and higher compression
ratio results in Nitrogen oxide reduction without compromising engine performance and emissions.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The first author is thankful to The Indian Biodiesel Corporation, Baramati for making the availability of Biodiesel required to
conduct this research work. The author would also like to thank Apex Innovations Pvt. Ltd. Kupwad MIDC for providing the
Research Engine Test setup and their Technical Support.

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Experimental Investigation of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Powered by Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) Diesel Engine with Effect of Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR)
(IJIRST/ Volume 3 / Issue 02/ 057)

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