Biodiesel production process optimization from hazelnut oil and the effects on engine performance

In this study, methyl ester was obtained from hazelnut oil (HOME) with transesterification and effects of HOME on engine performance and exhaust emissions were investigated. Optimization has been performed as depending on concentration of catalyst, ratio of methyl alcohol to oil, temperature of reaction and reaction time. Optimal efficiency of methyl ester was obtained as 97.48 % for concentration of catalyst of 0,6%, ratio of methyl alcohol/oil of 20%, temperature of reaction of 60 °C and reaction time of 30 minutes. Blends of biodiesel fuels were obtained via mixing 5% hazelnut oil with 95% diesel (B5) and 20% hazelnut oil with 80% diesel volumetrically. The effects of blends of biodiesel were investigated on engine performance and exhaust emissions in a single cylinder, four stroke, direct injection diesel engine. According to test results, it was seen that averaged engine torques and power output decreased 2,74%, 4,95% and 2,8%, 5% with B5 and B20 compared to diesel respectively. Specific fuel consumption increased 7,45% and 12,58% with B5 and B20 compared to diesel respectively. It was seen that exhaust emissions were improved using biodiesel. CO emissions decreased 5,82% and 17,6% while NOx emissions increased 2,87% and 4,2% with B5 and B20 compared to diesel respectively. Keywords: Biodiesel, Hazelnut Oil, Transesterification, Optimization, Engine Performance, Exhaust Emissions