Journal Article

Effects of Preheating of Crude Jatropha Oil On Performance And Emission Of A Diesel Engine

Geo, V Edwin, Ramadoss, G, Puhan, Sukumar, Ragu, R

2009

Overview

Jatropha oil is one of the vegetable oils that has potential for use as fuel for diesel engines. But at room temperature (30-32 degree C) Jatropha has a viscosity about 10 times higher than that of diesel. To lower viscosity to the level of diesel's viscosity, a heating temperature of at least 180 degree C is needed. At this temperature, there is a concern that the close-fitting parts of the injection system might be affected. This study focused on finding out the effects of preheating of fuel on the performance and emissions of a DI diesel engine. Results show that preheating of Jatropha oil lowered emissions compared to Jatropha oil. However, heating is necessary for smooth flow and to avoid fuel filter clogging. Both can be achieved by heating Jatropha oil to 180 degree C. Over the entire load range, preheated Jatropha oil combustion produced lower CO and HC emissions that were 30 % and 25 % compared to Jatropha oil. NO emission is higher about 5% in the X case of preheated oil compared to Jatropha oil.

• Publisher: iManager Publications
• Subject: Diesel / Diesel engines / Diesel fuels / Emission / Fuels / Heating / Preheating / Viscosity