Review of the Effects of Biodiesel Blends and Additives on Diesel Engine Combustion, Performance, and Emissions

Abstract

Among all internal combustion engines, the diesel engine is one of the most effective. The increased pollution caused by conventional fossil fuels prompts the search for environmentally friendly and renewable fuels. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine significantly reduces the amount of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. However, the main drawbacks of biodiesel are its higher density, lower heating value, high fuel consumption, and high oxides of nitrogen emission. Biodiesel is one of the alternative fuel sources. It contains virtually no sulphur or aromatics. Biodiesel uses additives to overcome this disadvantage. Chemical properties, enhanced properties, and special properties like a higher thermal conductivity help additives improve combustion, which reduces hydrocarbon emissions and boosts CI engine performance. A comparative study of the effects of additives on biodiesel fuel and efforts to recover combustion, performance, and emission reduction is presented in this review article.