Authors:
K. Karthikeyan,M. Thambidurai,DOI NO:
https://doi.org/10.26782/jmcms.2025.12.00007Keywords:
Bergamot peel oil,Fuel characterization,Diesel,Engine,Performance,Abstract
The present study explores the feasibility of utilizing Bergamot Peel Oil (BPO) as a renewable alternative to conventional diesel fuel in a compression ignition engine. Before engine testing, the physicochemical properties of BPO were tested. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxygenated functional groups such as esters and carbonyl compounds, while CHNS analysis revealed a significant oxygen content, supporting improved combustion characteristics. GC-MS analysis identified major fatty acid methyl esters contributing to the high volatility and calorific value of BPO. Experimental investigations were conducted at varying blending ratios (BPO10, BPO20, BPO30, BPO40, and BPO50) without any engine modifications, evaluating performance, combustion, and emission parameters against baseline diesel. Results indicated an improvement in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 3–6% for BPO30–BPO40 blends, while brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) reduced by up to 9% for higher blends, attributed to better energy content and oxygenation. In-cylinder analysis revealed increased peak pressure and rate of pressure rise (RoPR) with BPO addition, with BPO50 recording the highest peak due to superior oxidation and localized high temperatures. Ignition delay showed a slight increase for higher blends due to lower cetane number, though overall combustion duration remained comparable to diesel. On the emissions front, smoke opacity was significantly reduced by 14–17% for BPO50 owing to enhanced soot oxidation. Carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) decreased by 8–12% across all blends, while NOx emissions exhibited a 6–10% rise for higher blends due to an increase in in-cylinder temperatures and oxygen availability. The findings suggest that BPO, with its oxygenated nature and favorable volatility, can partially replace diesel fuel without major engine modifications, particularly in blends up to BPO40, ensuring improved efficiency and cleaner combustion.Refference:
I. Ashok, B., R. Thundil Karuppa Raj, et al. “Lemon Peel Oil – A Novel Renewable Alternative Energy Source for Diesel Engine.” Energy Conversion and Management 139 (2017): 110–121. 10.1016/j.enconman.2017.02.049
II. Chen, Hui et al. “The Effect of a Pine Oil/Diesel Blend on the Particulate Emission Characteristics of a Diesel Engine under a Pre-Injection Strategy with EGR.” Sustainable Energy & Fuels 7.15 (2023): 3644–3653. Web. 17 Aug. 2025. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2023/se/d3se00581j
III. Chivu, Robert Mădălin et al. “Assessment of Engine Performance and Emissions with Eucalyptus Oil and Diesel Blends.” Energies 2024, Vol. 17, Page 3528 17.14 (2024): 3528. Web. 17 Aug. 2025. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/14/3528/htm
IV. Doppalapudi, Arun Teja, Abul Kalam Azad, and Mohammad Masud Kamal Khan. “Exergy, Energy, Performance, and Combustion Analysis for Biodiesel NOx Reduction Using New Blends with Alcohol, Nanoparticle, and Essential Oil.” Journal of Cleaner Production 467 (2024): 142968. Web. 17 Aug. 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965262402417X
V. Duraisamy, Ganesh, Murugan Rangasamy, and Abul K. Hossain. “A Study on Flexible Dual-Fuel and Flexi Combustion Mode Engine to Mitigate NO, Soot and Unburned Emissions.” Fuel 322 (2022): 124276. Web. 19 Aug. 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016236122011280
VI. Ellappan, Sivakumar, and Silambarasan Rajendran. “A Comparative Review of Performance and Emission Characteristics of Diesel Engine Using Eucalyptus-Biodiesel Blend.” Fuel 284 (2021): 118925. Web. 17 Aug. 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016236120319219
VII. Gad, M. S. et al. “Combustion Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Running with Mandarin Essential Oil -Diesel Mixtures and Propanol Additive under Different Exhaust Gas Recirculation: Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation.” Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 26 (2021): 101100. Web. 17 Aug. 2025.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X2100263X
VIII. Karthickeyan, V. et al. “Simultaneous Reduction of NOx and Smoke Emissions with Low Viscous Biofuel in Low Heat Rejection Engine Using Selective Catalytic Reduction Technique.” Fuel 255 (2019): 115854. Print.
IX. Nanthagopal, K. et al. “Lemon Essential Oil – A Partial Substitute for Petroleum Diesel Fuel in Compression Ignition Engine.” International Journal of Renewable Energy Research 7.2 (2017): 467–475. Print.
X. Nguyen, Van Nhanh et al. “Engine Behavior Analysis on a Conventional Diesel Engine Combustion Mode Powered by Low Viscous Cedarwood Oil/Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel/Diesel Fuel Mixture – An Experimental Study.” Process Safety and Environmental Protection 184 (2024): 560–578. Web. 17 Aug. 2025.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0957582024001253
XI. Patel, Ashok K., Basant Agrawal, and B. R. Rawal. “Assessment of Diesel Engine Performance and Emission Using Biodiesel Obtained from Eucalyptus Leaves.” European Journal of Sustainable Development Research 7.1 (2023): em0210. Web. 17 Aug. 2025.
https://www.ejosdr.com.https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/12749
XII. Vallinayagam, R., S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, P. S. Lee, et al. “Combustion Performance and Emission Characteristics Study of Pine Oil in a Diesel Engine.” Energy 57 (2013): 344–351. Web. 10.1016/j.energy.2013.05.061
XIII. Vallinayagam, R., S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, P. S. Lee, et al. “Operation of Neat Pine Oil Biofuel in a Diesel Engine by Providing Ignition Assistance.” Energy Conversion and Management 88 (2014): 1032–1040. Web. 10.1016/j.enconman.2014.09.052
XIV. Y. Alex, et al. “Study of Engine Performance and Emission Characteristics of Diesel Engine Using Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Blended Orange Peel Oil Methyl Ester.” Energy Nexus 8 (2022): 100150. Web. 17 Aug. 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277242712200105X