A study of diesel and Pongamia Pinnata biodiesel combustion in compression ignition engines using zero-dimensional modelling and experimental methods

• Published in: International journal of ambient energy Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 3335 - 3344
• Main Authors: Jose, Nirmal, Nair, Dileep Vijayan, Kavalli, Kiran, Ramegowda, Ravikumar, Hebbar, Gurumoorthy Sheshagiri
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 31-12-2022
• Subjects: 0D combustion model; alternate fuels; biodiesel; Combustion modelling; GCMS; progressive combustion simulation
• ISSN: 0143-0750; 2162-8246
• DOI: 10.1080/01430750.2020.1831596

The present study develops a single-zone zero-dimensional progressive combustion simulation model using Python programming language for compression ignition engines. The model is capable of predicting in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate, engine performance, and emissions characteristics. The numerical model is experimentally validated using resuts from engine testing for diesel, Pongamia Pinnata biodiesel and diesel-biodiesel blends. The chemical composition of fuel is identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The values of power output, mean effective pressure and exhaust oxygen concentration are independently obtained from the numerical model and from the experiments. The engine performance is not significantly affected for biodiesel to diesel blending ratio of up to 30%. A higher oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is observed with increase in blending ratio. The developed numerical model would be useful in studying the performance and emission characteristics for any alternative fuel with known calorific value and chemical composition.