Abstract
An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the use of various blends of castor (Ricinus Communis) oil methyl ester (COME) with diesel fuel (D). Performance of castor oil biodiesel with diesel fuel in a commercial compression ignition engine was presented in this study. The conversion of castor oil to biodiesel was performed via the transesterification method. Biodiesel produced from castor oil was blended with diesel fuel at the volumetric ratios of 5% (B5), 10% (B10), 25% (B25), 50% (B50) and 100% (B100). Fuel properties of COME and its blends with diesel fuel were stated. The performance results showed that blends of COME with diesel provided an increase on brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and a small decrease on brake power output proportional to the reduction in the heating value. Test results showed that B25 was determined as a suitable alternative fuel for diesel engines.
Keywords: Castor Oil, Ricinus Communis, Biodiesel, Performance, Diesel Fuel