Effects of a biodiesel blend on energy distribution and exhaust emissions of a small CI engine

This paper investigates the energy distribution and the waste heat energy characteristics of a compression
ignition engine for micro-cogeneration applications, at different engine speeds and loads. The
experimental activity was carried out on a three-cylinder, 1028 cc, common-rail engine. Tests were performed
with diesel fuel and a 20% v/v biodiesel blend (B20). The quantity and the quality of the waste
heat energy were studied through energy and exergy analyses, respectively. Combustion characteristics
were investigated by means of indicating data. Gaseous emissions were measured and particles were
characterized in terms of number and size at exhaust. It was found out that the addition of 20% v/v of
RME to diesel fuel does not affect significantly the brake fuel conversion efficiency and the energetic
flows. On the other hand, biodiesel blend allows to reduce the combustion noise and the pollutants emissions
in most of the operating conditions. A proper phasing of the injection strategy for the biodiesel
blend could further reduce the exhaust emissions, mainly at high engine speeds. The results presented
in this paper could be useful for the development of diesel engine based micro-cogeneration systems
working at different engine speeds and loads.