Performance and emission characteristics of a single-cylinder diesel engine fueled with a 10% olive pomace oil– diesel blend

This study investigates the effects of using a 10% olive pomace oil–diesel blend on the performance and emission characteristics of a single-cylinder diesel engine under varying load conditions. The blend was prepared by volumetrically mixing 10% olive pomace oil with standard diesel fuel. The engine was tested under four different load conditions: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of full load capacity.The experimental results revealed that the engine power output decreased by a maximum of only 0.1 kW across all load conditions when compared to standard diesel. This minor reduction indicates that the blend maintains comparable engine performance. Fuel consumption increased by a maximum of 16 ml/h, which is a relatively small difference and within acceptable limits for alternative fuel use. In terms of emissions, carbon monoxide (CO) levels decreased slightly—by approximately 0.01%—across all load conditions, suggesting improved combustion efficiency. However, the reduction in CO was minimal. On the other hand, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions showed an increase, particularly at higher loads. A maximum increase of 160 ppm was recorded at 75% load, while other conditions showed moderate increases ranging from 55 to 65 ppm. Despite the slight rise in NOₓ emissions, the findings suggest that blending olive pomace oil with diesel at a 10% volumetric ratio can be a viable and sustainable alternative fuel option for diesel engines, with minimal impact on performance and moderate changes in emissions.