Experimental Investigation of Pongamia, Jatropha and Neem Methyl Esters as Biodiesel on C.I. Engine

The methyl esters of vegetable oils, known as biodiesel are becoming increasingly popular because of their low environmental impact and potential as a green alternative fuel for diesel engine and they would not require significant modification of existing engine hardware. Methyl ester of Pongamia (PME), Jatropha (JME) and Neem (NME) are derived through transesterification process. Experimental investigations have been carried out to examine properties, performance and emissions of different blends (B10, B20, and B40) of PME, JME and NME in comparison to diesel. Results indicated that B20 have closer performance to diesel and B100 had lower brake thermal efficiency mainly due to its high viscosity compared to diesel. However, its diesel blends showed reasonable efficiencies, lower smoke, CO and HC. Pongamia methyl ester gives better performance compared to Jatropha and Neem methyl esters.