The Status of Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel for Diesel Engine – An Overview

Abstract

Growing concern regarding energy resources and the environment has increased interest in the study of alternative sources of energy. To meet increasing energy requirements, there has been growing interest in alternative fuels like biodiesel to provide a suitable diesel oil substitute for internal combustion engines. Biodiesels offer a very promising alternative to diesel oil since they are renewable and have similar properties. Biodiesel is defined as a transesterified renewable fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats with properties similar or better than diesel fuel. Extensive research and demonstration projects have shown it can be used pure or in blends with conventional diesel fuel in unmodified diesel engines. This paper reviews the history of biodiesel development and production practices. Fuel-related properties are reviewed and compared with those of conventional diesel fuel. The effect of use of biodiesel fuel on engine power, fuel consumption and thermal efficiency are collected and analyzed with that of conventional diesel fuel. In the subsequent section, the engine emissions from biodiesel and diesel fuels are compared, paying special attention to the most significant emissions such as nitric oxides and particulate matter.