Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Laboratory for Thermodynamics Engine and Propulsion Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, 15314, Indonesia.
2
Research Center for Energy Conversion and Conservation, National Research and Innovation Agency, Banten 15314, Indonesia.
3
Research Center for Transportation Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Banten 15314, Indonesia.
4
The Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency, Ministry of Finance Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia.
5
Directorate General of Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta 10320, Indonesia.
6
Testing Center for Oil and Gas LEMIGAS, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta 12230, Indonesia.
7
Survey and Testing Center for Electricity, New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta 12230, Indonesia.
8
Department Mechanical Engineering, Pertamina University, Jakarta, Indonesia.
9
Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia.
Abstract
This research focused on evaluating the technical viability of using biodiesel with a blending ratio of 40% v/v, which is expected to be implemented soon in Indonesia. Two kinds of biodiesel blends were prepared, a blend of 60% diesel fuel and 40% biodiesel (B40) and a blend of 60% diesel fuel, 30% biodiesel, and 10% hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) (B30D10). The fuels were tested on EuroII vehicles without any engine modifications through a 50,000 km endurance road test. Laboratory tests were also performed at certain traveled distances to evaluate various engine parameters, including power, fuel economy, exhaust emissions, and used engine oil properties. Engine components were inspected upon the completion of the road test. Cold-start ability was also examined to confirm the suitability of the investigated biofuels at low-temperature operating conditions in Indonesia. The road test results showed that vehicles fuelled with B40 and B30D10 could reach a distance of 50,000 km without encountering any technical issues. The laboratory evaluation during the road test indicated that B30D10 had a higher power and fuel economy than B40, with a maximum difference of 2%. Furthermore, B30D10 emitted lower CO, HC, and PM emissions than B40 throughout the distance traveled, with maximum differences of 11.4%, 14.7%, and 22.6%, respectively, but led to 15% higher NOx. Engine component inspection and used engine oil analysis confirmed the fulfillment of the manufacturer's recommendations for both B40 and B30D10. Finally, B40 and B30D10 were suitable for operating at low ambient temperatures in Indonesia, confirming them as practical options to be implemented in the nationwide 40% biodiesel blend fuel.
Graphical Abstract

Highlights
- Indonesia will implement 40% biodiesel blend fuel nationwide soon.
- Using 40% biodiesel blend fuel (B40) was studied with road and laboratory tests.
- A blend of 60% diesel fuel, 30% biodiesel, and 10% hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) was also investigated.
- Both B40- and B30D10-powered vehicles successfully completed the 50,000 km road test.
- B30D10 had a higher maximum power, less emissions, and better fuel economy than B40.
Keywords