Physical Properties of Bio-diesel & Implications for Use of Bio-Diesel in Diesel Engines

Document Number: 2007-01-4030

Date Published: October 2007

Author(s):
Kalyana Chakravarthy - Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract:
In this study we identify components of a typical biodiesel fuel and estimate both their individual and mixed thermo-physical and transport properties. We then use the estimated mixture properties in computational simulations to gauge the extent to which combustion is modified when biodiesel is substituted for conventional diesel fuel. Our simulation studies included both conventional diesel combustion (DI) and premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI). Preliminary results indicate that biodiesel ignition is significantly delayed due to slower liquid evaporation, with the effects being more pronounced for DI than PCCI. The lower vapor pressure and higher liquid heat capacity of biodiesel are two key contributors to this slower rate of evaporation. Other physical properties are more similar between the two fuels, and their impacts are not clearly evident in the present study. Future studies of diesel combustion sensitivity to both physical and chemical properties of biodiesel are suggested.

File Size: 613K
Product Status: In Stock

Included in: V116-4

See other papers presented at Powertrain & Fluid Systems Conference and Exhibition, October 2007, Chicago, IL, USA, Session: Alternative Fuels (Biodiesel/2nd-Generation Biodiesel/GTL) (Part 4)

SAE 2007 Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition, October 2007, Rosemont, IL, USA, Session: Alternative Fuels (Biodiesel/2nd-Generation Biodiesel/GTL) 4

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