Combustion phenomena, emissions and performance characteristics of lemongrass oil in direct injection (DI) compression ignition diesel

Abstract

Development of alternative fuels used in IC engines employ traditionally advance process which creates a fuel related issues, decisive fuel properties are indentified and their specific values are defined to solve problem. The present work deals with lemongrass oil (cymbopogon flexuosus) as an alternative fuel. By using trans-esterification process the lemongrass oil converted into biodiesel. This biodiesel is blended with the conventional diesel with various proportions and tests were conducted on 20%, 30% and 50% lemongrass oil blends with diesel. The performance characteristics, emissions and combustion phenomena are studied at 1500rpm of engine speed and compression ratio of 17.5 in a 4-stroke cycle mono cylinder DI compression ignition diesel engine. Comparison studies are made with conventional diesel fuel. Experimental outcomes revealed the successful ignition process in which the heat energy released from a DI compression ignition diesel engine fueled with lemon grass oil is within the limits.