Influence of CME-Diesel Blends on the Performance of a Light Duty Common Rail Direct Inject Engine

Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) is the main feedstock used for biodiesel in the Philippines, As of this year only 2% of CME is mandated to be blended in locally distributed fuel, but by 2016 the target is to increase the mandated biofuel blend to 5%. Given the mixed results about the effect of biofuels blends in engine perfomance by various studies it is imperative to further assess the impact of the target biodiesel blends. The effect CME Biodiesel blends in the performance of a light duty automotive common rail direct injection engine is determined in this study. Total of six fuel blends – B0 (Neat Diesel), B2 (2%CME, 98%B0), B5 (5% CME, 95%B0), B10 (10%CME, 90%B0), B15 (15%CME, 85%B0) and B20 (20%CME, 80% B0) were tested for performance at 100% load with varying speeds from 800 RPM to 2400 RPM at an interval of 400 RPM. At this typical engine speed range, no significant differences for biodiesel blends versus neat diesel were observed for torque.