Effects of preheating vegetable oils on performance and emission characteristics of two diesel engines

Performance and emission characteristics of vegetable oils at elevated temperatures are studied. Fuels are run in two four-cycle, direct injection compression ignited engines having different number of cylinders, compression ratios, rated power and cooling systems but relatively close engine speed. Brake thermal efficiency, exhaust gas temperature, and CO, O2, Unburned HC and NO emissions are determined as a function of load at ambient and preheat conditions for peanut, sunflower and canola oils. Overall, effects of preheat, engine type and type of vegetable oils on engine performance and exhaust gas emissions are discussed.