Performance Assessment of a Compression Ignition Engine Fuelled with Chicken Fat Methyl Ester and LPG in Dual-Fuel Mode

Abstract

This study investigates the viability of Chicken Fat Methyl Ester (CFME) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as sustainable alternatives to conventional diesel in a single-cylinder, water-cooled, 4-stroke dual-fuel (DF) engine. Experiments demonstrated that the (LPG + CFME) dual-fuel mode yielded a brake thermal efficiency of 29.15%, demonstrating a strong performance relative to the 32.3% efficiency observed in baseline diesel mode. Furthermore, the induction of LPG augmented the in-cylinder pressure and the rate of heat release (ROHR). However, the inclusion of gaseous fuel also resulted in elevated levels of hydrocarbon (HC) and NOx emissions. These findings indicate that CFME and LPG dual-fuel systems offer a promising, renewable solution to meet future energy demands.

Background: Escalating fuel costs and the impending depletion of fossil fuels have driven the need for sustainable, clean-burning alternative fuels in internal combustion engines.

Methods: This experimental study evaluates the combustion performance and exhaust emissions of a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled diesel engine operating in dual-fuel (DF) mode. Chicken fat methyl ester (CFME) was utilized as the primary pilot fuel, with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) inducted into the intake manifold.

Results: The dual-fuel (LPG + CFME) mode achieved a brake thermal efficiency of 29.15%, which is highly comparable to the 32.3% efficiency recorded under standard diesel operation. The introduction of LPG enhanced both the in-cylinder peak pressure and the rate of heat release(ROHR).

Conclusions: While the dual-fuel setup improves combustion characteristics, it led to noticeable increases in hydrocarbon (HC) and NOx emissions. Overall, CFME and LPG present a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel.