Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Jatropha Curcas Oil and Diesel Fuel Blend as a Fuel on Engine Components and Lubricating Oil

Abstract

Depletion of fossil fuel source and fluctuating fuel price led researchers to focus on developing new agro-based alternative fuels, which will provide sustainable solution to the energy crisis. The trend of using vegetable oil as an alternative fuel for diesel engine dated late 20^th century but until now  research is continued due to its benefis. Straight vegetable oils could be used directly but they need modification in order to minimize their effect on the engine life. Presently, bio-diesels, which are obtained from trans-etherification of straight vegetable oil (SVO), are being used along with diesel in blends. The advantages of biodiesels and vegetable oils are renewability, biodegradability and they are oxygenated. Although many researches pointed out that it might help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable rural development, and improve income distribution but still there are some problems to be solved before their full fledged usage. Experimental evaluation of the use of several vegetable oils as potential fuel sources is giving a promising result. Initial engine performance tests using vegetable oils were found to be acceptable, while noting that the use of these oils caused carbon build up in the combustion chamber and some engine hard ware wearing. Jatropha is one of the promising vegetable oils. This research focuses on the study of the effect of Jatropha straight vegetable oil when it is used as a fuel for diesel engine by blending it with diesel fuel. The objectives of this work were to characterize the fuel and engine lubricating oil after the test conducted and the measurement of carbon deposit formation and wear of the engine parts.  The test was conducted on a single cylinder direct injection diesel engine (DY-23 engine) with a fuel blend of 20% jatropha curcas straight vegetable oil and 80% diesel. Engine was run for duration of 75 hours as per Indian standard testing cycle. The sample of the lubrication oil was collected and characterized. The carbon deposit and the wear of the engine parts were measured and reported after engine was disassembled. The results were compared with the effect of pure diesel fuel on similar engine. Finally it is concluded that fuel blend of 20% can be used with minimum effects. It is recommended that preheating of the fuel blend  for minimization of negative effects further.

Keywords: straight vegetable oil, blended fuel, lubrication oil, carbon deposit, engine wear.