Effect of POME Additive in Algae-Diesel Fuel Blends on Fuel Consumptions and Emissions Characteristics of a Single Diesel Engine

In the present investigation, the effects of Palm Oil Methyl Esters (POME) additives on fuel consumptions and exhaust emissions of a single-cylinder diesel engine fueled with algae-diesel fuel blends were studied. Five fuel blends were prepared based on volume percentages which are D100 (diesel fuel), 2.5AO97.5D (2.5% algae oil, 97.5% diesel fuel), 2.5POME2.5AO95D (2.5% POME, 2.5% algae oil, 97.5% diesel fuel), 3.5POME2.5AO94D and 4.5POME2.5AO93D. Next, fuel properties which are density, kinematic viscosity, and calorific value of all the blended fuels, were measured and analyzed. Engine tests were conducted on a single-cylinder diesel engine at a constant engine speed of 1500 rpm at various engine loads. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), exhaust emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) were analyzed together during the experimental work. The obtained results for BSFC show that all fuel blends decreased with increasing engine load. The results obtained revealed that NOX and CO2 emissions increase, whereas CO emissions decrease with increasing engine load. The present work suggests 4.5POME2.5AO93D algae-diesel fuel blends with POME additive as a suitable eco-friendly alternative fuel as it gives better emission results compared to other fuel blends.