Methyl Esters of Mahua Oil as an Ecofriendly Fuel in Heavy Duty Vehicles

Abstract

In this investigation, Mahua oil methyl ester (MOME) was prepared by transesterfication using potassium hydroxide. According to the ASTM procedure, several tests were conducted to characterize mahua oil in relation to diesel oil. Various physical, chemical and thermal properties such as viscosity, flash point, fire point and calorific value were evaluated. From the analysis, it was observed that the properties of mahua oil methyl ester are close to diesel oil. To evaluate the mahua oil methyl ester as a fuel for diesel engine and dual engine, it was used as a fuel in a single cylinder, four stroke, direct injection, constant speed, compression ignition diesel engine and dual fuel engine. From the experimental results, it was observed that the mahua oil methyl ester result in performance and emissions close to diesel operation.