AN INVESTIGATION OF 30% PALM BIODIESEL BLEND FUEL (B30) UNDER INDONESIAN OPERATING CONDITIONS

A study was conducted under Indonesian operating conditions to verify that utilising 30% palm methyl ester (B30) did not negatively impact vehicle performance, ensuring the smooth nationwide implementation of B30 in Indonesia. A comprehensive study involved a 50 000 km road test and periodic laboratory assessments to evaluate the long-term effect on vehicle performances, including engine power, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions. These investigations were conducted in compliance with UN-ECE R85, R101, and R83 regulations. As a comparison, 20% palm biodiesel blend fuel (B20) were also evaluated alongside B30. The results showed that both vehicles fuelled with B20 and B30 had no problem until a distance travelled of 50 000 km. The power B30 varied in average by 4.8 kW when compared to B20, while fuel economy was 0.2 km/L. B30 exhibited lower emissions of CO, HC, and PM in comparison to B20, with average reduction of 0.10 g/km, 0.01 g/km, and 0.02 g/km, respectively. However, there was an average increase of 0.11 g/km in NOx emissions when compared to B20. Furthermore, this study revealed that the fuel filter replacement interval for B30 and B20 remained within the range recommended by the manufacturer, with no issues observed regarding cold start-ability