Gravimetric approach of fuel consumption in 30% biodiesel blends fuel: cost-effective solution of real-world fuel consumption measurement

Using renewable energy sources, such as palm oil-based biodiesel, in diesel engines has demonstrated considerable potential. However, assessing their effectiveness requires comprehensive performance tests to facilitate economic evaluations, particularly in measuring fuel consumption. This study focuses on the gravimetric method for quantifying fuel consumption using a 40 kg scale. This research aims to develop a cost-effective and user-friendly method of the field and laboratory measurement technique. A load cell was integrated with an HX711 signal amplifier and a data processor to achieve this objective, complemented by an Arduino Uno data acquisition program. The study collected data during idle operating conditions at 700 rpm and New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) simulations in passenger cars fueled by biodiesel blend fuel with a volume ratio of 30% (B30). The recorded data was meticulously analyzed and presented using spreadsheet software. The results of the scale compared to the flow meter revealed fuel consumption rates in idle tests of 3.475 and 3.464 g/s, respectively. The result demonstrated a mere 0.32% difference between this developed method and conventional approaches in the idle test and a 5.8% difference in the NEDC cycle test. These findings reveal the viability and accuracy of the gravimetric technique, offering a cost-effective solution of real-world fuel consumption measurement in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.