Performance and Emission Characteristics of B0 and BxxDxx Alternative Fuels for Diesel Generator Applications under Sustainable Energy Transition

Lalu Wahyu Alam; Nur Cahyo; Berkah Fajar T.K; Ariyana Dwiputra Nugraha; Muchammad; Paryanto

doi:10.65582/rrs.2026.015

Authors

Lalu Wahyu Alam Mechanical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang,Central Java, 50275, Indonesia.
Nur Cahyo Mechanical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang,Central Java, 50275, Indonesia; PLN Research Institute, Jakarta, 12760, Indonesia.
Berkah Fajar T.K Mechanical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang,Central Java, 50275, Indonesia.
Ariyana Dwiputra Nugraha PLN Research Institute, Jakarta, 12760, Indonesia.
Muchammad Mechanical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang,Central Java, 50275, Indonesia.
Paryanto Mechanical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang,Central Java, 50275, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65582/rrs.2026.015

Keywords:

Biodiesel-HVO blends, Fuel physicochemical properties, Diesel generator applications, Cetane number, Renewable diesel fuel, Combustion characteristics

Abstract

The transition toward sustainable energy systems requires the development of alternative fuels with favorable combustion characteristics and reduced environmental impact. This study analyzes the physicochemical properties of diesel fuel (B0), biodiesel (B100), and various biodiesel-hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) blends (BxxDxx) and discusses their potential implications for diesel generator applications. Fuel properties including cetane number, sulfur content, flash point, lubricity, total acid number (TAN), fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content, and particulate contamination were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standard methods. The analyzed properties were subsequently discussed in relation to combustion characteristics, fuel system cleanliness, engine durability, and emission tendencies based on established combustion theory and previous studies. The results indicate that fuels with higher cetane numbers and lower sulfur content may contribute to improved combustion quality and reduced particulate-related emissions. Meanwhile, high FAME content fuels exhibit potential advantages in cleaner combustion but may also increase oxidation tendency and deposit formation due to their higher viscosity and lower oxidation stability. Among the tested blends, B30D20 demonstrated balanced fuel characteristics with promising potential for sustainable diesel generator applications. This study provides an analytical understanding of biodiesel-HVO fuel behavior and highlights the importance of optimizing fuel properties to support cleaner and more sustainable diesel energy systems in Indonesia.

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