Experimental Investigations of a Compression-Ignition Engine Fuelled with Transesterified-Jatropha BiodieselDiesel Blend

Jatropha-curcas biodiesel has recently been considered as one of the potential renewable energy sources in Asia. This biodiesel is produced through the transesterification process of the non-edible oil obtained from Jatropha-curcas. The properties of this biodiesel are quite similar to those of diesel fuel. However, high viscosity of pure Jatropha-curcas biodiesel adversely affects engine performance. Hence, the percentage of Jatrophacurcas biodiesel that will not cause any adverse effect on the engine must be determined. In this context, this paper experimentally investigates the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a direct injection compression ignition engine fuelled with 25%, 50% and 100% volume basis Jatropha-curcas biodiesel with diesel. Results showed that the Jatropha-curcas biodiesel and its blends demonstrated lower values for brake thermal efficiency and exhaust emission levels than diesel, but not for nitrogen oxide levels and brake specific fuel consumption. It was observed that the blend containing 25% Jatropha-curcas biodiesel (BD25) was the best alternative for diesel fuel based on engine emissions and overall performance. Therefore, BD25 could be considered a potential alternative fuel for compression ignition engines.