Evaluation of biodiesel blending, engine performance and emissions characteristics of Jatropha curcas methyl ester: Malaysian perspective

摘要

Currently, the main crop for biodiesel in Malaysia is palm oil. Recently, Jatropha curcas has drawn the attention of the Malaysian Government. This paper aims to study the feasibility of Jatropha as a potential biodiesel feedstock for Malaysia. Physico-chemical properties of Jatropha biodiesel and its blends with diesel followed by engine performance and emissions characteristics of B_(10), B_(20) and B_0 were studied. The results show that viscosities of B_(10) and B_(20) are closer to diesel. Moreover, only the oxidation stability of B_(10) and B_(20) meet the European specifications (EN 590) of 20 h. Therefore, only B_(10) and B_(20) have been used to evaluate engine performance and emission. Compared to B_0, the average reduction in brake power (BP) is 4.67% for B_(10) and 8.86% for B_(20). It was observed that brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increases as the percentage of biodiesel increase. Compared to B_0, a reduction in hydrocarbon (HC) emission of 3.84% and 10.25% and carbon monoxide (CO) emission of 16% and 25% was reported using B_(10) and B_(20). However, the blends give higher nitrogen oxides (NO_X) emission of 3% and 6% using B_(10) and B_(20)-As a conclusion, B_(10) and B_(20) can be used in a diesel engine without any modifications.