Evaluation of emissions and efficiency of corn biodiesel compared to diesel

The fuel sector has been facing sharp fluctuations in prices, including diesel oil, due to turbulence in the global market caused by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. A promising alternative to address energy issues is to adopt energy generation from fuels derived from vegetable oils. These fuels, produced with local and renewable raw materials, have a lower environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and emissions of a diesel engine in power generation, operating with varying proportions of corn-based fuels. Blends composed of a mixture of corn biodiesel and diesel oil were tested, in the proportions: B5, B10, B15, B20, B50, B70, B90 and B100. The 8 kVA engine was rated up to 6000 W. The increase in corn biodiesel resulted in lower consumption and reduced CO and CO² emissions. Such results indicate the technical feasibility of corn biodiesel blends as partial replacements for traditional diesel.