Experimental studies on the use of methyl and ethyl esters as an extender in a small capacity diesel engine

ABSTRACT

Global energy consumption has increased exponentially and requires urgent attention. Methyl esters of Jatropha oil (JOME) have been investigated as a blend with fossil diesel. However, use of Jatropha oil ethyl ester (JOEE) as either a blend or extender to diesel fuel is not potentially explored. The present study reports the likely suitability of mono alkyl ester of Jatropha oil in a small capacity diesel engine as an extender. Fuel blends JOME5, JOME10, JOEE5 and JOEE10 were prepared on a volumetric basis. Engine performance indicated an appreciable increase in brake thermal efficiency with highest obtained for JOEE10 (33.44%). Similarly, brake specific energy consumption was low for ester–diesel blends. Emission characteristics – carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and smoke opacity – of JOME and JOEE were lower than baseline except for oxides of nitrogen. Results suggest that JOME and JOEE can be used as an extender in diesel fuel without any significant difficulty.

KEYWORDS:

• Biodiesel
• extender
• engine performance
• emission
• Jatropha oil

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.