Environmental Impact Assessment of the Mechanical Shaft Work Produced in a Diesel Engine Running on Diesel/Biodiesel Blends Containing Glycerol-Derived Triacetin

The global transport sector has increasingly adopted biodiesel, yet its elevated NOx emissions compared to conventional diesel remain a significant challenge. This study investigates the environmental performance of diesel/biodiesel blends (B5 and B20) containing glycerol-derived triacetin as a NOx-mitigating additive. Using a diesel engine under varying loads and speeds, we assess the mechanical shaft work through two methodologies: (1) discrete emissions analysis and (2) life cycle assessment (LCA). Results indicate that while triacetin effectively neutralizes biodiesel’s NOx emissions increase, its incorporation does not significantly improve overall LCA outcomes relative to petro-diesel. Engine load and speed critically influence both emissions and LCA results, with LCA proving more comprehensive for environmental impact evaluation. The findings suggest that while triacetin addresses NOx concerns, its current production pathways limit broader sustainability benefits. This work highlights the need for integrated assessment methods in evaluating alternative fuel strategies.