Performance of diesel engine fuelled with sunflower biodiesel blends

This work aimed to evaluate the use of sunflower biodiesel (Helianthus annuus L.) blends in a Cl engine, direct injection. The test procedure was carried out in a dynamometer bench that determined the performance of engine through power take-off (PTO) with use of diesel and sunflower biodiesel blends (135, B 10, B20 and B 100). The lubricating oil was analyzed before and after period of 96 hours. The results were: D (40,7 kW; 271 g/kW.h); B5 (40,3 kW; 271 g/kW.h); B 10 (39,8 kW; 277 g/kW.h); B20 (40,0 kW; 277 g/kW.h) e B 100 (39,8 kW; 291 g/kW.h). One conclude that the use of blends 135, B 10, B20 and B 100 decreased the power of PTO max. 2,2% and increased the fuel consumption max. 7, 3%. The analysis of the lubricating oil before and after the use of B 100 showed acceptable alterations and the viscosity, water content and level of iron were the most affected parameters.