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This data article is based on research work which examines the potential of Persea americana (Avocado) plant oil biodiesel and its blends as viable alternative to the environmentally degrading and virtually unsustainable fossil fuel (diesel) in direct-injection, compression-ignition engines. The Avocado biodiesel was synthesized by a single-process, methanol-catalyzed transesterification reaction under optimum conditions. The cold flow and critical properties of the produced biodiesel and its blends were analyzed by using America standard for testing materials (ASTM) procedures.Data on performance and combustion characteristics of the biodiesel and its blends on test engine HR178FA/FAE Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, air-cooled, direct-injection, compression-ignition diesel engine at various engine loads of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% are provided. The emission and smoke opacity characteristics were measured by a nova 7460 exhaust gas analyzer and AVL 437 smoke meter respectively.

Today׳s engineering systems and machine are so sophisticated that mere energy analysis cannot accurately and reliably describe the thermodynamic behaviour, viz-a-viz the energy changes occurring in these complex systems. Hence, a more efficient and realistic parameter that provides us with useful information about thermodynamic losses and energy efficiency improvement potential is the exergy analyses. Fresh samples of onion fruits were washed with distilled water to remove particles and contaminants that can adversely affect the experimental results. Hence, 36.50 g of the sample at different thicknesses of 0.50 cm, 1.00 cm and 1.50 cm were taken into the cabinet dryer for drying at different temperatures of 65 °C, 75 °C,85 °C and 95 °C and the weight loss at each temperature and thickness was determined with the aid of a digital weighing balance. Hence, it was on this premise that the exergy analyses in terms of exergy loss, exergetic improvement potential and exergetic sustainability index of drying process of onion at different drying air temperatures, drying periods and thicknesses in a cabinet dryer was performed.

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