Performance and emission characteristics of an CI engine fueled with diesel-biodiesel-bioethanol blends

The paper presents the experimental results obtained concerning performances and pollution of a diesel engine fueled with diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends compared with diesel fuel in laboratory tests. The main properties of the researched fuels are presented within this paper, in comparison with classical diesel fuel (chemical composition, density, kinematic viscosity, cold filter plugging point, flash point). Engines' performances were evaluated by determining the brake specific fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency. For pollution evaluation the emissions of CO, CO(2), NO(x), HC and smoke have been measured. An increasing of brake specific fuel consumption has been observed, especially at lower engines' loads, with maximum 32.4%, reducing engine brake thermal efficiency with maximum 21.7%. CO emissions decrease, especially at high loads with maximum 59%, on the basis of CO(2) increased emissions. NO(x) emissions slightly increase, especially at partial and high loads, meanwhile HC and smoke emissions decrease in all engines' load cycles. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.