Investigation of the effects of butanol addition to biodiesel usage as fuel in a diesel engine

As our world demands more energy day by day and fossil fuel sources are running out, searches on finding alternative fuels in internal combustion engines are increasing. Alcohols and biofuels obtained from oils can be used as an alternative diesel fuel. The present work investigated the effects of n-butanol addition to safflower biodiesel usage in a diesel engine. Safflower biodiesel obtained by using transesterification method and ultra low sulfur diesel-biodiesel–butanol blends were 5%, 10%, and 20% butanol in volume basis. The tests were carried out on a four-cylinder, four-cycle turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine at half load with stable engine speed. Experimental test results of combustion characteristics, emission and performance of the fuels were investigated. According to test results, total heat transfer, average gas temperature and combustion rate were slightly changed. The ternary blends showed lower emission and increased brake thermal efficiency up to 1,5%. Besides, mass fuel consumption up to 5% and brake specific fuel consumption up to 6% were increased. For the other fuels, emission and brake thermal efficiency were deteriorated.