Financial assessment, performance and emission analysis of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas methyl ester fuel blends in a single-cylinder diesel engine

Abstract

The decreasing of natural capitals such as fossil fuel has ready it crucial to change finished to alternative. In the present investigation the possible biodiesel is obtained from Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas oils. The fuel properties of Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas methyl esters were presented, and their 20, 40 and 60% by volume blends (MOB20, MOB40, MOB60 and JB20, JB40, JB60) were compared with diesel fuel (D100). The performance, combustion and emission of these fuel blends were evaluated in a single-cylinder diesel engine. The engine was operated at 1500 rpm engine speed with compression ratio 18.5 and advanced fuel injection timing of 23° before top dead center at various loads (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The results show that both the alternative fuels (Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas) produce lower amount of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions as compared to diesel fuel. At 100% load, 20% blend of moringa oleifera and Jatropha biodiesel show lower NOX emission by 12.39%, which was reduced by 11.25% for Moringa oleifera and Jatropha blend (B20) when compared with diesel fuel. The study reveals that the Jatropha blend decreases smoke emission by 6.98% and CO2 by 6.67% when compared with diesel fuel. It also causes a significant reduction in combustion duration, but improved cylinder temperature. Jatropha curcas biodiesel is better than Moringa oleifera in the aspect of engine characteristics. The cost analysis for Jatropha and moringa oleifera biodiesel was performed accomplished and the market value were evaluated as INR 76 and 68, respectively.