Emission and performance characteristics of single cylinder diesel engine fuelled with neem biodiesel

Energy shortage, soaring oil prices, and climate change stimulate the research and development of alternative energy resources to sustain economic growth. Biofuels, such as biodiesel and biomass-based alcohol fuels, are examples of such alternatives. The methyl esters of vegetable oils, known as biodiesel are becoming increasingly popular because of their low environmental impact and potential as a green alternative fuel for diesel engine and they would not require significant modification of existing engine hardware. Neem Methyl Esters (NME) are derived through transesterification process. Experimental investigations have been carried out to examine properties, performance and emissions of different blends (B10,B20,B30,B40,B50) of Neem methyl Esters in comparison to diesel. Results indicated that B30 and B50 have the closer performance to diesel. However, its diesel blends showed reasonable efficiencies, lower smoke, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and Nitrogen oxide.