Relative Testing of Neat Jatropha Methyl Ester by Preheating to Viscosity Saturation in IDI Engine - An Optimisation Approach

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of preheated Jatropha Methyl Ester (PJME) on the performance and emission characteristics of an indirect injection (IDI) diesel engine using combined Taguchi and Grey optimisation technique. For this purpose, PJME with different temperatures (50 °C to 100 °C), engine loads are considered as input factors and fuel consumption, thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions are output factors. Based on Taguchi orthogonal array design matrix, L₁₈ experiments were conducted. The obtained results were analysed in Grey analysis and found that optimum performance and emissions for PJME at 60 °C with 50% load. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA) PJME influence factor is observed as 71.57% and a confirmation test is performed to validate the optimum parameters and observed both statistical and experimental are in good agreement. Finally, a full range of experiments was conducted for PJME at 60 °C and compared the results with diesel fuel. From the results, an appreciable reduction in exhaust emissions like CO, HC, and NO were observed for comparison, smoke and CO₂ have also decreased to a marginal extent indicating that PJME can be taken as a replacement to diesel fuel.