Extraction of bioethanol from waste pomegranate fruits as a potential feedstock and its blending effects on a performance of a single cylinder SI engine

Abstract Fossil fuel depletion and strict government regulations have necessitated the finding of alternatives to conventional fuel sources. The growing population and better transport are increasing the need for energy every day. The pollution and disposal of agriculture and food waste are still serious problems to be tackled. Bioethanol has proved an alternative to S.I. engine diesel and gasoline. 10% ethanol blending is widely used by passenger cars worldwide and countries such as India have announced the implementation of a 20% ethanol blending in petrol. As a result, demand for ethanol is growing and there is inadequate bioethanol supply to meet demand. This paper portrays the extraction of ethanol from the waste pomegranate fruits and effect of its different blends on the spark ignited engine performance. Ethanol was extracted using fermentation and steam distillation processes from waste pomegranate fruit. Four blends were prepared on volumetric basis and tested for various performance and emission parameters at a constant compression ratio of 10:1 and wide-open throttle at various engine speeds. Indicated power, volumetric efficiency, and mechanical efficiency were improved by ethanol enrichment. Enrichments of ethanol decrease emissions of HC, CO and CO2, however increase nitrogen oxide emissions. The engine performance was found optimal for WPFE15 among all fuel blend studied. This study recommends the use of waste pomegranate fruits as a source for production of second-generation ethanol if after treatments be performed to reduce NOx emissions. This study proposes the use of waste pomegranate fruits for second-generation ethanol processing, if NOx pollution after treatment is carried out.