Experimental Investigation Highlighting Performance and Emission Characteristics of Algae Bio-Fuelled Diesel Engine

During recent years the increasing consumption of fossil fuel has led to the search for alternative energy. Microalgae emerged as one of the potential sources of Bio-fuels from algae, and it is mostly preferred because it is sustainable and environment-friendly. The oil was extracted from spirulina and chlorella microalgae using a pyrolysis technique at 350°C, and the bio-oil characteristics were investigated. The viscosity and density of chlorella bio-oil were extremely similar to conventional diesel fuel when compared to spirulina bio-oil. The experiment was carried out in a single cylinder four stroke diesel engine for various loading conditions and was carried out for B10 blend for spirulina and chlorella algae bio-fuel. CL10D90 showed maximum output power at 100% load condition was nearly the same for diesel fuel than SP10D90, and specific fuel consumption was nearly the same when compared to diesel. The brake thermal efficiency of CL10D90 is 4% higher than that of SP10D90 and 2% higher than that of diesel, and the combustion characteristic of peak heat release rate is higher. There is also a reduction in HC and CO emissions at full load, with a slight increase in NOX emissions. The results of the experiment demonstrate that using CL10D90 bio-oil in a diesel engine is a viable option.