Optimization of performance in tractor engine with biodiesel-ethanol-diesel fuels using response surface methodology

Renewable and clean biofuels are known as the best replacement of fossil fuels. Biofuels have animal or vegetable bases and produce less pollution than fossil fuels during the combustion in an engine. Many researches performed on using blends of biodiesel and diesel fuels in diesel engines. In this study, blends of biodiesel, ethanol and diesel fuels were used in Massy Ferguson 399 Tractor and the engine power and the specific fuel consumption are survived. The response surface methodology was used to assess the impact of the biodiesel volume percent (5-15%), the ethanol volume percent (2-6%) and the engine speed (1520-1900 rpm) on the power and the specific fuel consumption to optimize the process. Based on results, obtained in this study, the engine speed was the most effective factor on the power. Also, the biodiesel volume percent and the engine speed were main factors on the specific fuel consumption. Optimum conditions for maximizing the power (51.48 kW) and minimizing the specific fuel consumption (209.45 ml/min) were obtained at 15% biodiesel, 3.53% ethanol at 1787.4 rpm engine speed.