Evaluation of a Single Cylinder Compression Ignition Engines Operated with Castor Biodiesel Blends

Diesel engines have proved useful in transportation and agriculture. These engines have contributed to the development of decentralized energy networks for rural electrification. Concerns over the long-term supply of petroleum diesel and strict environmental regulations, have necessitated the rapid exploration of renewable alternatives to diesel fuel to address these issues. The impact of castor oil biodiesel blends on diesel engine performance was investigated in this study. The trial experiment was carried out on a single-cylinder compression ignition engine. The tests were conducted at an engine-rated speed of 850 rpm under various loading conditions (0 - 6 kW) to determine engine performance. Physicochemical parameters of castor biodiesel and its blends were analysed and compared to diesel fuel. The calorific value of prepared castor biodiesel blends ranged from 41.80 MJ.kg-1 to 39.50 MJ.kg^-1 for blends of B5 to B50, whereas pure diesel had a calorific value of 42.00 MJ.kg^-1. In addition, the kinematic viscosity of the blends of biodiesel examined increased from 4.50 to 6.50 cSt for the same range of fuel. The findings show that lower biodiesel blends (5 – 25%) are acceptable within ASTM standards. This make it to be a viable alternative fuel in near future.