Performance and Emission Analysis of a Diesel Engine Fueled with Cashew Nut Shell-Derived Biodiesel and Its Blends

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a byproduct of cashew processing that has largely
been overlooked as a biomass resource for biodiesel production. While some research
has been conducted on CNSL in diesel engines, there remains a lack of studies on using
processed CNSL with industrial waste catalysts for diesel engines. This study focuses on
the performance and emissions of catalytically cracked CNSL (CC-CNSL) created with
fly ash as a catalyst. Blends of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% CC-CNSL-diesel were used as a
fuel in a single-cylinder diesel engine under different load conditions. The CC-CNSL25
blend, which contains 25% CC-CNSL, outperformed the others with a 2% increase in brake
thermal efficiency. Additionally, it showed substantial reductions in emissions, i.e., 11.76%
less carbon monoxide, 9.09% reduced smoke density, 8.57% lower hydrocarbon emissions,
and 5.27% decreased specific fuel consumption compared to conventional diesel at full
load. This research highlights fly ash-catalyzed CNSL processing as an effective method
for converting agricultural waste into high-quality biodiesel. It offers a dual advantage as a
sustainable fuel source while addressing waste management challenges.