Direct Use of modified crude palm oil in 17.6 kW Diesel Engine : An experimental study Bagus Giri Yudanto (a,b*), Himsar Ambarita (a), Tulus Burhanuddin Sitorus (a), Frisda R. Panjaitan (b)
a) Mechanical Engineering, University of Sumatera Utara, Jl. Almamater, Medan 20155, Indonesia
*bagusgiri[at]iopri.org
b) Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute, Jl. Brigjend Katamso No. 51, Medan 20158, Indonesia
Abstract
Concern about fossil fuel depletion and increasing global energy use has spurred research into sustainable biofuels. Due to its similar qualities to diesel fuel, renewability, and availability, vegetable oil might replace fossil fuels. However, CPO, as the most available vegetable oil in the world, contains unwanted components such free fatty acids, gum, and phospholipids, which may have detrimental effect on engine combustion. This research examines the effects of modified CPO on a 17.6 kW diesel engine performance. A particular binding agent was used to alter CPO to reduce free fatty acid, gum, and phospholipid levels in this investigation. After testing in a 17.6 kW diesel engine with the modified CPO was compared to B30 fueled engine. There is no statistically significant change in power generation. Compared to B30 fuel, modified CPO reduces engine emissions. However, the modified CPO fueled engine consumes greater amounts of fuel than the B30 fueled engine. This research shows possible use of modified CPO in sustainable fuel generation.
