Research Article Open Access

Experimental Study of Diesel Engine Generator Performance and Emission Characteristics Using a Mixture of Jatropha Oil and Rubber Seed Oil Biodiesels Along a Two-Step Transesterification

Fana Gebremedhin Gebremichael1 and Joao Fernando Chidamoio2,3
  • 1 Postgraduate Division, Faculty of Engineering, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
  • 2 Center of Excellence on Studies in Oil and Gas Engineering and Technology, Maputo, Mozambique
  • 3 Center of Industrial Studies Safety and Environment, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique

Abstract

This study investigates the performance and emission properties of engine-generator powered using various dual biodiesel mixes prepared from two inedible feedstock jatropha and rubber. Jatropha and rubber oils had high acid values, which were 13.96 and 27.91 mg KOH/g, respectively. Therefore, a two-step transesterification process was conducted to lower the acid value to 0.28 and 0.42 mg KOH/g for jatropha and rubber, respectively. The various physicochemical properties of biodiesels were compared with standards and diesel. The engine generator performance and emissions of various mixed biodiesel-diesel blends (BC10, BC20, BC30, and BC40) were investigated at varying loads and constant speeds (3000 rpm) and compared with B0, BA20, and BB20 biodiesel blends. In general, a blend of jatropha and rubber biodiesel reduced density and viscosity when compared to rubber biodiesel and improved ignition quality when compared to jatropha biodiesel. Dual biodiesel blends reduced CO2, CO, and HC emissions in comparison to diesel, while NOX emission was higher. The results of the experiments show that better engine-generator performance and fuel exhaust emissions were seen with the BC20 followed by BC40 and can be utilized as a substitute fuel in diesel engine generators without requiring any modifications

American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Volume 17 No. 3, 2024, 126-135

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2024.126.135

Submitted On: 8 February 2024 Published On: 1 July 2024

How to Cite: Gebremichael, F. G. & Chidamoio, J. F. (2024). Experimental Study of Diesel Engine Generator Performance and Emission Characteristics Using a Mixture of Jatropha Oil and Rubber Seed Oil Biodiesels Along a Two-Step Transesterification. American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 17(3), 126-135. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2024.126.135

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Keywords

  • Biodiesel
  • Engine Generator
  • Performance
  • Two-Steps Trans-Esterification