Effect of Fuel Blends on In-Cylinder Pressure and Combustion Characteristics in a Compression Ignition Engine

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of biofuel blends derived from empty fruit bunch (EFB) biocoke on internal combustion engine performance, focusing on in-cylinder pressure, rate of pressure rise (ROPR), heat release rate (HRR), and mass fraction burned (MFB). The experiments were conducted using different fuel blends (F0, F10, F20, and F30) to evaluate their effects on combustion characteristics. The results indicate that the peak in-cylinder pressure for conventional fuel (F0) reached approximately 70 bar, while biofuel blends exhibited a slightly lower peak, ranging between 60–65 bar. The ROPR was also reduced with increasing biofuel concentration, with F0 showing a maximum of 5.2 bar/°CA, whereas F30 recorded a lower peak of around 4.8 bar/°CA, suggesting a smoother combustion process. Additionally, the MFB analysis demonstrated that biofuel blends achieved complete combustion at a crank angle of approximately 50–55°CA, highlighting their effective energy conversion capabilities. The findings suggest that incorporating EFB-based biofuels can optimize combustion by reducing pressure fluctuations and maintaining engine efficiency. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of EFB-derived biofuels in internal combustion engines, contributing to the development of sustainable and cleaner energy alternatives. This research supports the potential of EFB-based biofuels as a viable substitute for conventional fossil fuels, paving the way for more environmentally friendly combustion systems.