Jatropha Biodiesel Research Articles

Evaluation of Life Cycle Assessment of Jatropha Biodiesel Processed by Esterification of Thai Domestic Rare Earth Oxide Catalysts

The Thai domestic rare earth oxides, including cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium oxides, with the effects of calcination temperatures (500–1000 °C), were utilized as catalysts for twelve Jatropha biodiesel alternatives via an esterification reaction. This study applied life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology from well-to-wheel analysis to assess energy efficiency and the global warming impact with and without land use change. The results of the life cycle analysis showed that the Jatropha biodiesel alternatives using the La2O3 catalyst in all conditions (0.89–1.06) were found to be potential fuel substitutes for conventional diesel (0.86) in terms of net energy ratios; however, the results showed that they generated a higher global warming impact. Considering the improvement process of Jatropha biodiesel in the utilization of waste heat recovery, the Jatropha biodiesel reduced the impacts of the net energy ratios and the global warming impact by 22–24% and 34–36%, respectively. The alternative Jatropha biodiesel using the La2O3 catalyst with a calcination temperature of 600 °C was shown to be the most environmentally friendly of all the studied fuels; relatively, it had the highest energy ratios of 1.06–1.37 (with and without waste heat recovery) and the lowest total global warming impact of 47.9–70.7 kg CO2 equivalent (with land use change). The integration of the material and process development by domestic catalysts and the recovery of waste heat would improve the sustainability choices of biofuel production from renewable resources for transportation fuels in Thailand.

Pengaruh Densitas dan Viskositas terhadap Sudut Injeksi Biodiesel Jatropha-Jagung (1:4 dan 4:1)

Biodiesel has attracted attention as an alternative fuel in efforts to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Among various potential sources for biodiesel production, jatropha and corn oil have stood out due to their availability and high yield potential. However, each has unique characteristics that affect their performance as fuels. Jatropha oil has relatively high viscosity, while corn oil is generally used as a food ingredient. This study aimed to explore the potential of combining jatropha and corn biodiesel in different proportions and its impact on fuel characteristics and diesel engine spray injection. Both types of oil were processed into biodiesel through esterification and transesterification processes. Subsequently, biodiesel mixtures were created in ratios of 1:4 and 4:1. Each mixture was then varied with diesel to produce B5, B10, B15, B20, B25, B30, B35, and B40. Each sample was tested for its physical properties such as density and viscosity, and injection spray angle. The results of this study indicated that the density and viscosity values of the 1:4 jatropha-corn biodiesel mixture were lower than those of the 4:1 jatropha-corn biodiesel mixture. There was a significant relationship between viscosity and density with the injection angle. The higher the density and viscosity, the narrower the injection angle.

Correlation between Physical Properties and Specific Fuel Consumption in Jatropha -Used Cooking Oil Biodiesel Mixtures

This study was motivated by the need to understand the influence of using waste jatropha biodiesel on the physical properties of fuel and the performance of diesel engines. The primary aim was to determine the relationship between the fuel's physical properties, spray angle, and specific fuel consumption (SFC) at various load levels. The methodology employed included measurements of density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, spray angle, and SFC for different blends of waste jatropha biodiesel and diesel (B5, B10, B15, B20). The research results demonstrate an increase in density, kinematic viscosity, and flash point, along with a decrease in calorific value, as the biodiesel content increases. The density of the biodiesel mixture ranges from 823 kg/m³ at B5 to 836.50 kg/m³ at B20. The kinematic viscosity increases from 3.9 cSt at B5 to 5.2 cSt at B20, and the flash point rises from 112.9°C at B5 to 128.7°C for B20. Meanwhile, the calorific value decreases from 10308.2670 cal/g at B5 to 10133.8280 cal/g for B20. A strong correlation exists between density and kinematic viscosity with the spray angle, exhibiting R2 values of 0.9141 and 0.8287, respectively. The correlation between the fuel's physical properties and the specific fuel consumption (SFC) is also substantial, marked by high R2 values above 0.93. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of more optimal biodiesel formulations.

Effect of ferrocene as a combustion catalyst on the premixed combustion flame characteristics of Jatropha biodiesel

Fuel additives are widely used to optimize the combustion process, reduce the harmful emissions, and improve the performance of engines. Among the metal-based additives, ferrocene is soluble in most fuels, including biodiesel. Furthermore, it is easily available and has high stability, low toxicity, and high lipophilicity. It can evenly disperse in biodiesel without causing any change in the physicochemical properties. Therefore, it can serve as an effective combustion catalyst for biodiesel. In this study, the effect of ferrocene as a combustion catalyst on the pyrolysis and combustion performance of Jatropha biodiesel is investigated. The coupled technique of thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-mass spectrometry (TG-FTIR-MS) is used to analyze the evolution characteristics of multicomponent gaseous products generated during the pyrolysis and high-temperature oxidation of Jatropha biodiesel (JB100) and Jatropha biodiesel + ferrocene (JBF). The laminar premixed combustion flame and pollutant emissions of JB100 and JBF are examined using a variety of techniques, including OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (OH-PLIF), flue gas analysis, spectral analysis, transmission electron microscopy, etc. The results reveal that after adding ferrocene, the activation energy for the pyrolysis reaction of JB100 decreases by 4.66 kJ/mol and the complete weight loss temperature decreases by 10 ℃. Further, the addition of ferrocene reduces the endothermic heat by 0.38 mW/mg during the initial stage of the high-temperature oxidation reaction of JB100, and the amounts of final products CO2 and H2O are increased. Compared with JB100, JBF shows an enhanced OH group intensity in the combustion flame and a lower soot spectral peak. Furthermore, compared with JB100, under JBF combustion, the pollutant PM2.5 emissions decrease by 13.3 %, PM10 emissions decrease by 13.2 %, PM> 10 particulate matter emissions decrease by 19.3 %, CO emissions decrease by 6.8 %, NOx emissions increase by 21.2 %, and the size of soot particles decreases by 20.8 %.

Effect of phospholipids on the oxidative reactivity and microstructure of soot particles from Jatropha biodiesel combustion

Excessive phosphorus content can aggravate the formation and emission of particulate matter (PM) during biodiesel combustion, which can lead to the performance degradation of automobile exhaust catalytic converters and make it difficult to control pollutant emissions. However, the influential mechanism of phosphorus in biodiesel on PM formation is not clear yet. Therefore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Raman spectroscopy are used to study the formation, oxidation characteristics, and nanostructures of soot particles produced from Jatropha biodiesel (JB100) combustion under different phospholipid (PE:phosphatidylethanolamine, main phospholipid type in JB100) contents. The results show that with increasing PE content in JB100, the amount of soot particles first increases and then decreases. When the PE content is 400 ppm, the amount of soot particles is the largest, almost 13.40% higher than that produced from neat JB100. Further, the activation energy (AE) of soot oxidation first increases and then decreases with increasing PE content. The apparent AE is the largest (131.40 kJ/mol) at 400 ppm. Furthermore, when the PE content is 400 ppm, the strength of oxygen-containing functional groups in the soot particles is the weakest, and the ratio of nanocrystal height to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) interlayer spacing (Lc/d002) (4.396), the average lattice spacing of PAHs (0.367 nm), and the ratio of D1 and G peaks integral intensity (ID1/IG) (2.566) are minimum. This verifies that the PE content in JB100 can affect the strength of active oxygen-containing functional groups and the size and structure of PAHs in the soot particles and that the oxidative reactivity of soot particles is lowest at 400 ppm.

A sustainable model using RSM and MCDM techniques to evaluate performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with diphenylamine antioxidant and CeO2 nanoparticle additive biodiesel blends

Overconsuming fossil fuels has worsened global warming and air pollution, requiring us to investigate alternate fuels for compression ignition engines. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel and environmentally favorable. Biodiesel's most significant disadvantage is increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The intent of the present study was to examine the impact of antioxidant diphenylamine (DPA) and nanoparticle ceria (CeO2) additive inclusion in a B30 blend on engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics. For this study, diesel, Jatropha biodiesel (B30), 100 ppm of antioxidant diphenylamine (50 ppm) with ceria nanoparticle (50 ppm) is added to the B30 blend named as B30+DPA100 and antioxidant diphenylamine (50 ppm) with ceria nanoparticle (50 ppm) is added to the B30 blend named as B30+DPA50+CeO250 fuel blends has been used. A hybrid response surface methodology and multi-criteria decision-making techniques (entropy method, TOPSIS, and VIKOR) have been used to develop a sustainable model and find the optimal setting of input parameters in terms of ranking. From experimental findings, the inclusion of antioxidants (DPA) and nanoparticle (CeO2) at 50 ppm to B30 significantly reduced NOx emission. The brake-specific fuel consumption and NOx have been found reduced by 5.67% and 18.87%, respectively, for B30+DPA50+CeO250 as compared to B30. At the same time, brake thermal efficiency increased by 1.01%. The brake mean effective pressure and maximum cylinder pressure) have been found increased by 0.68% and reduced by 4.52%, respectively, for B30+DPA50+CeO250 as compared to B30. The alternative ranking of the input parameters has been found fuel injection pressure (300), compression ratio (17), and load (12) as Rank 1 for TOPSIS and VIKOR. Therefore, the B30+DPA50+CeO250 blend is appropriate for improving diesel engine performance and diminishing exhaust emissions.

Environmental footprint evaluation of Jatropha biodiesel production and utilization in Ethiopia: a comprehensive well-to-wheel life cycle analysis

In Ethiopia, a Life Cycle Analysis of Jatropha-based biodiesel was conducted using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation model to assess energy consumption, efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the well-to-tank (WTT) and well-to-wheel stages. The inventory analysis involved field surveys and scenarios to evaluate energy savings, emission reductions, and air pollutants in biodiesel-diesel blends. In the WTT analysis, the energy consumption for producing 1 MJ of Jatropha-based biodiesel was found to be 0.43 MJ under rain-fed and 0.68 MJ under irrigated conditions. The net energy value was positive, and the net energy ratio was higher compared to that in other countries. The results show that GHG emissions at 19.8 g CO2 eq/MJ during the WTT stage can reduce environmental impacts by up to 45–87% depending on the type of irrigation used. When examining the global warming potential, it was found that the cultivation of Jatropha accounted for the highest share of GHG at 57.58%, followed by the biodiesel production process at 23.88%. On the other hand, vehicles employing B20 blend could replace 14.78% of fossil energy use and reduce 13.95% of GHG emissions per km, compared to pure diesel vehicle.

Effect of nanoparticles (Al2O3 and CeO2) blended with biodiesel on combustion, performance, and emissions of a diesel engine

The increase in the utilization of fossil fuels in almost all the energy production sector badly impacts the environment because of incomplete combustion. The incomplete combustion of fuels releases soot, unburned hydrocarbon, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. In the current experimental work, the evaluation of the effect of the addition of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles in Jatropha biodiesel (B20) has been performed on the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine. These nanoparticles have been added because they have a large surface area-to-volume ratio. The air-fuel mixture and the evaporation rate are enhanced, leading to improved burning. The increase in brake thermal efficiency has been observed with nanoparticles blended fuel, i.e. (B20 + 30 ppm Al2O3 + 30 ppm CeO2) by 9.354%. In contrast, drop-in oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, HC, and smoke opacity emissions were observed by 24.67%, 33.33%, 23.08%, and 34.01%, respectively, compared with pure biodiesel. Using nanoparticles in Jatropha methyl ester reduces ignition delay, increases combustion duration, and starts earlier combustion, reducing heat release rate, cylinder pressure, and pressure rise rate by 10.53, 1.994, and 3.687%, respectively, as compared to the B20 blend.

Performance and emission of extracted biodiesel from mixed Jatropha-Castor seeds

Biodiesel extracted from either Jatropha or Castor seeds was reported as an alternative engine fuel. Jatropha biodiesel has a lower viscosity, while Castor biodiesel has a higher yield compared to each other. Thus, the mixed Jatropha-Castor seeds could guarantee efficient combustion with sustainable yield. In this paper, the performance and emission of the extracted biodiesel from mixed Jatropha-Castor seeds were investigated. Four biodiesels were mechanically extracted (100 %C, 75 %C-25 %J, 25 %C-75 %J, and 100 %J) and blended at B20 % with diesel fuel into a diesel engine. The results were compared side-by-side to evaluate the biodiesel’s significance compared with diesel fuel. The biodiesel properties were consistent with diesel fuel. The Castor biodiesel has higher density, viscosity, and cetane number compared with Jatropha. The biodiesel showed higher (BSFC, EGT, CO, and NOx) and lower (BTE, CO2, HC, and Smoke) compared with diesel fuel. The EGT contributed NOx emissions, while biodiesel properties (viscosity and cetane number) contributed other emissions. The mixed biodiesels (i.e., 75 %C-25 %J and 25 %C-75 %J) enhanced the performance and emissions compared with pure biodiesels (i.e., 100 %C and 100 %J). Specifically, the 75 %C-25 %J was appropriated for 75 % engine loading according to the PCA analysis. The combined results could potentially develop alternative biodiesel from mixed seeds, promising advanced fuel technology in the future.

Investigation into the Ideal Concoction for Performance and Emissions Enhancement of Jatropha Biodiesel-Diesel with CuO Nanoparticles Using Response Surface Methodology.

The present work covers the preparation of biodiesel from jatropha oil through the transesterification process followed by its characterization, and furthermore, performance and emission analyses were done in terms of blending biodiesel with fossil diesel and CuO nanoparticles. Jatropha biodiesel blends (B10, B20, and B30) were chosen for this preliminary investigation based on the observation that B20 outperformed other blends. Next stage B20 with copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticle concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 50 ppm are used to examine the performance and emission characteristics of a constant speed single cylinder, 4-stroke, 3.5 kW compression ignition (CI) engine. Finally, The response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to determine the optimal nanoparticle concentration for B20. The results revealed that the blend of B20 with 80 ppm nanoparticles had the highest desirability (0.9732), and the developed RSM model was able to predict engine responses with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 3.113%. A confirmation test with an error in prediction of less than 5% verified the model's adequacy. When comparing optimized B20CuO80 to diesel, brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) increased by 8.49% and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was lowered by 3.34%. Hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and smoke emissions were reduced by 3.66% and 2.88%, 4.78%, 22.9%, and 20.54%, respectively, at 80% load. As a result, the B20 blend with nanoparticle concentrations of 80 ppm may be used in current diesel engines without engine modification.

Effect of oxidation on the combustion flame characteristics of Jatropha biodiesel

This study investigated the effect of oxidation on the pyrolysis and combustion flame performance of Jatropha biodiesel. To analyze the escape characteristics of multi-component gas products during the pyrolysis and high-temperature oxidation processes of fresh and oxidized Jatropha biodiesel, the TG-FTIR-MS combined system was employed. In addition, various analytical equipment such as an OH-PLIF system, a flue gas analyzer, a spectral analyzer, and a transmission electron microscope were employed to examine the laminar premixed combustion flame and pollutant emissions of Jatropha biodiesel before and after oxidation. The results demonstrate that oxidation exhibits a nonlinear effect on the thermal decomposition of Jatropha biodiesel. Notably, the reaction activation energy exhibits an initial increase and followed by a decrease. Moreover, an increased oxidation degree led to a reduction in the activation energy of the high-temperature oxidation reaction of Jatropha biodiesel, without considerably affecting the total weight loss temperature. Furthermore, the peak temperatures of DTG and DSC exhibited a minor decrease. The production of C2, CH, and OH free radicals in the combustion flame of oxidized Jatropha biodiesel increased, along with an elevation in the spectral intensity of carbon smoke. With an increase in the degree of oxidation, the CO emission concentration from the combustion of Jatropha biodiesel decreased gradually from 75 mg/m3 to 36 mg/m3 after 6 h of oxidation. Additionally, NOx emissions gradually increased from 131 mg/m3 to 186 mg/m3 after 6 h of oxidation, and the particle size of carbon smoke exhibited a reduction of 28%.

Development of Thermal Energy Storage Material From Blends of Jatropha Biodiesel and Paraffin Wax for Augmenting Freshwater Generation Capacity in a Solar Desalination System

Abstract Enhancing nocturnal productivity holds promise for boosting the effectiveness of solar desalination setups. Current research concentrates on an innovative strategy: the integration of paraffin wax and Jatropha biodiesel as a composite energy storage material (CESM) to amplify distilled water output during nighttime. The composite material, comprising Jatropha biodiesel and paraffin wax in a 1:1 ratio by weight, is meticulously examined for its impact on productivity, juxtaposed against a conventional solar still (CSS). Results reveal a substantial improvement in thermal conductivity with CESM, exhibiting a noteworthy 20.37%% surge compared to pure paraffin wax. Furthermore, a solar still with biodiesel and phase change material (SSBDPCM) is pitted against a CSS, with continuous monitoring of water and absorber temperatures alongside distillate production. The findings illustrate that SSBDPCM achieves a 16% upsurge in water temperature and a 10% elevation in absorber temperature compared to CSS. Impressively, SSBDPCM achieves a staggering 63% increase in distillate production, yielding 3.6 l/m2 and 3.4 l/m2, in sharp contrast to CSS, which only manages 2.2 l/m2 and 2.1 l/m2 over a two-day test period. Furthermore, a comprehensive cost analysis showcases the economic superiority of SSBDPCM over CSS. SSBDPCM demonstrates a compelling 29.2% reduction in cost per liter and a significant 25.9% decrease in the payback period in comparison to CSS. These compelling outcomes underscore the substantial potential of the SSBDPCM approach in delivering heightened efficiency and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for a promising advancement in solar stills.

Assessment and usability of Jatropha biodiesel blend with phenolic antioxidant to control NOx emissions of an unmodified diesel engine.

The excessive utilization of fossil fuels has worsened global warming and exacerbated the levels of air pollution in the environment, forcing us to consider alternative fuels for compression ignition engines. The current research aims to explore the possibilities of renewable fuels outperforming diesel fuel in terms of combustion, performance, and emission characteristics. Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative fuel. The major drawback of biodiesel is the significant rise in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The main novelty and objective of this research is to investigate the performance and emission characteristics of variable compression ratio diesel engine using DPA antioxidant additive. For this investigation, diesel, Jatropha biodiesel (B30) and 100 ppm of phenolic antioxidant diphenylamine (DPA) blended with B30 have been used as fuel named B30+DPA100. From experimental outcomes, the inclusion of diphenylamine to B30 blend resulted in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) being reduced by 8.86% and 4.12%, respectively, compared to B30. Simultaneously, there was a 1.11% increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTHE). The B30+DPA100 fuel blend demonstrates effective control over NOx and other emissions. The emissions of NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke from the B30+DPA100 blend have shown a reduction of 6.8%, 5.34%, 7.86%, and 15.67%, respectively, when compared to diesel. However, there has been an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) by 7.8%. One notable advantage of the B30+DPA100 blend is the significant decrease in NOx emissions. Additionally, the cylinder pressure for B30+DPA100 has been lowered by 4.93% compared to B30. On the other hand, the net heat release rate (NHR) has experienced a 1.72% increase. The particle size of different elements present in the crankcase oil has been calculated by Zetasizer Nano. The analysis revealed varying particle sizes for different elements in the crankcase oil: aluminum (2.724 μm), chromium (2.78 μm), iron (2.423 μm), and lead (2.587 μm).

Fuel Property Enhancement of Jatropha Biodiesel by Blending with Nanoparticles

AbstractThe direct application of Jatropha biodiesel in engines is harmful because of the corrosivity of biodiesel, the emission of poisonous gases, and solid particulate matter. Therefore, it is of paramount important to enhance the biodiesel fuel properties via green routes to effectively utilize it for automotive applications. The synthesis and application of different nanoparticles (NPs) such as ZnO, Mg‐ZnO, TiO2, and SiO2, as fuel property enhancers for Jatropha biodiesel were investigated. The calorific value, oxidation stability, dynamic viscosity etc. were studied for the NP‐blended biodiesels and compared with the traditional biodiesel (B100). Mg‐ZnO was found to be a promising candidate as fuel property enhancer for biodiesels.

Simplification of the combustion mechanism of Jatropha biodiesel surrogate fuel and reaction path analysis

The objectives of this study were to explore the evolution process of the chemical reaction pathways in the combustion of a biodiesel surrogate fuel and to reduce the calculation burden in the numerical simulation of this combustion process due to the complicated mechanism. A mixture of methyl decanoate, methyl 9-decanoate, and n-heptane was selected as the Jatropha biodiesel surrogate fuel. A simplified combustion mechanism of the biodiesel comprising 170 components and 737 reaction components was formed by systematically simplifying 3299 components and 10806 reaction mechanisms using a multistep directed relation graph method, path flux analysis, and sensitivity analysis. The simplified mechanism was compared with the detailed mechanism and experimental data to effectively verify the accuracy of the mechanism. The simplified mechanism could reproduce the detailed mechanism, and the results were in good agreement with the experimental data in terms of the ignition time of a methyl decanoate/air mixture in a shock tube, the concentrations of the components generated in the combustion process of the biodiesel in a jet stirred reactor, and the flame propagation speed of methyl decanoate and n-heptane/air mixture. The rate of production analysis method was used to explore the main reaction pathways and the evolution process of important intermediate components in the Jatropha biodiesel surrogate fuel generated at high and low temperatures. Methyl decanoate and methyl 9-decanoate formed hydrogen peroxide ketone and oxy groups mainly through dehydrogenation, oxygenation, and isomerization at low temperatures. The high-temperature stage mainly involved bond-breaking decomposition reactions, partial dehydrogenation, and isomerization reactions of low-temperature reaction products, resulting in the formation of small molecular products.

Electric discharge machining of hybrid composite with bio-dielectrics for sustainable developments

ABSTRACT The hybrid composite (Al-SiC-Ni) has a wide range of applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional mechanical and wears resistance properties. Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) is a common method for machining high-strength composites. However, one significant challenge associated with EDM is the emission of harmful fumes caused by the thermal cracking of hydrocarbon-based dielectrics, as well as the rate of material removal, both of which impact process productivity. However, no research has been conducted on the effect of non-edible biodiesel-based bio-dielectrics on the EDM of hybrid composites (Al-SiC-Ni). As a result, the primary goal of this research is to assess the environmental effects of machining. This study specifically investigates the impact of four types of non-edible biodiesel-based bio-dielectrics on key EDM process output parameters such as material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness (SR). The EDM performance of the hybrid composite (Al-SiC-Ni) was compared to that of three electrode materials (copper, brass, and graphite) and four bio-diesel-based bio-dielectrics such as Neem biodiesel (NBD), Jatropha biodiesel (JBD), Pongamia biodiesel (PBD), and Polanga biodiesel (POBD). From investigation, it has been observed that the maximum value of material removal rate (MRR) for POBD using a graphite electrode was 18.54 mg/min, which was 58.5% higher than the MRR for JBD using a brass electrode (7.17 mg/min). And it was found that the MRR with POBD was 108.15% higher than with kerosene oil. The graphite as mentioned above electrode obtains its smoothest surface under POBD. This roughness value is 77.41% lower than the JBD value obtained. Tool wear is observed lowest in the brass electrode in conjunction with the JBD. It is 68.88% lower than the TWR value obtained with PBD using the same electrode material. The results indicated that biodiesel derived from non-edible oils could be a promising dielectric for the future of the EDM process.

Determination of Selected Engineering Properties of Jathropha Seed

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is a prominent renewable energy plant with great potential for biodiesel production from its seeds. This research project aimed to investigate the engineering properties of Jatropha seeds to evaluate their suitability for biodiesel production and various industrial applications. By reducing reliance on fossil diesel, Jatropha biodiesel offers the prospect of enhanced energy security and reduced environmental pollution resulting from fossil fuel combustion (Werby and Mousa, 2016). The study focused on understanding the physical, mechanical, and aerodynamic properties of Jatropha seeds. Knowledge of these properties is crucial for the design of efficient machines and equipment used in processing, handling, cleaning, transporting, and storage of agricultural products like Jatropha seeds. Specifically, the research investigated the physical characteristics of the seeds, including size, shape, color, and texture. Moisture content was analyzed using standard drying methods, while bulk density and true density were measured through displacement techniques. Results indicated that Jatropha seeds possess favorable physical properties for handling and processing. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the engineering properties of Jatropha seeds, making them a promising bioresource for biodiesel production and diverse industrial applications. Addressing the identified challenges can further enhance their potential utilization and contribute to sustainable energy practices.

Performance and Emissions of a CI-ICE Fuelled with Jatropha Biodiesel Blends and Economic and Environment Assessment for Power Generation in Non-Interconnected Areas

An experimental investigation into the effects of Jatropha biodiesel (JB) blends on the performance and emissions of a diesel engine was performed, and an economic and environmental assessment of the Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) crop for JB production and its use was also presented. The results revealed that when the engine operates with JB blends in proportions of up to 10%, the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increases to 37.5% at full engine load, and the engine’s thermal efficiency is reduced by 10% regarding diesel operation. A reduction in the specific emissions of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate matter with JB blends of up to 75% of the engine load was found. On the other hand, specific carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, with regard to diesel, increased by 21.8 and more than 100%, respectively. The lower heating value (LHV) was the property that most influenced the engine’s performance and emissions fuelled with JB blends, because JB has a lower value of LHV than diesel. Finally, the economic and environmental assessment showed that Colombian soil is well-suited to JCL crops. The use of JB instead of palm biodiesel could mean a decrease of 27,730 USD/day and 1588 kg/day of CO2 emissions.

Comparative analysis of carbon particle emissions from exhaust of an IC engine using HSD and blends of HSD and Honge/Jatropha biodiesel

In spite of the surge in solar and wind energy in the recent years, the IC engines, particularly the diesel engines may be expected to stay on for the next 30 years at least. In this context, it is imperative to find alternative fuel sources for petro diesel, at least in part. Inedible oil based biodiesels are one good option for India. There is a slight decrease in performance of a diesel engine when run with biodiesel blends. It is also feared by some that pollution from exhaust gas by using biodiesel blends may be higher. This paper summarizes the results of experiments carried out on biodiesel blends with diesel to determine the amounts and particle sizes of carbon particulate matter emissions in engine exhaust. Blends of two esterified oils, viz., Honge (Pongamia Pinnata) and Jatropha, with petro diesel were used to operate a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine. Blend ratios used were 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The carbon particles in exhaust were collected on an INDICA filter paper for 5 minutes. The carbon content was ascertained by the standard procedure, and the size of particles was found by microscopic examination. Further ANOVA of the data was car-ried out separately for the Honge and Jatropha blends. The results from the experiments are clear and interesting. Both Honge and Jatropha blends increase the amount of carbon particulates in engine exhaust when compared with diesel. Car-bon particulates increase with increase in load on the engine. Increase of blend ratio generally increases the carbon in exhaust in case of Jatropha blends. The behaviour with Honge blends is different. While blend H5 has highest carbon in exhaust at low loads, at high loads, H10 has the maximum carbon in exhaust. Blending with Honge or Jatropha biodiesel increases the carbon particle size in exhaust. While the size of carbon particles with diesel is < 20 µm, it is > 20 µm with all blends, increasing with load or blend ratio. In all cases, lower loads result in finer carbon particles in exhaust. The study helps in concluding that both Honge and Jatropha blends could be used in diesel en-gines, Honge being superior. Though the PM level in the exhaust will be higher with blending, the particle sizes will be much larger and hence causing less health hazard. Further, idling (no load), or low loads should be avoided since these result in smaller carbon particles.

Impact of biodiesel blended fuel with nanoparticles on performance and noise emission in compression ignition engine

Alternative fuels have garnered significant attention due to the depletion of petroleum sources and growing environmental concerns. Biodiesel, a renewable fuel, holds potential as a viable substitute for fossil fuels. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have made nanoparticle fuel additives for internal combustion engines feasible. Previous research has shown that these additives can enhance engine performance. In this experimental study, we investigated the effects of incorporating aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3) into a JB30 fuel blend (30% Jatropha biodiesel + 70% diesel) to assess potential performance improvements and reduced noise emissions. Our tests employed a 4-stroke, single-cylinder diesel engine operating at a constant speed of 1350 rpm. The JB30 blend was subjected to a 50 ppm dose of Al2O3 nanoparticles using an ultrasonicator. Results indicate that brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) improved for the DF70JB30 blend and further improved for the DF67JB30 blend with Al2O3 nanoparticles. Compared to pure diesel fuel, the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) increased by 3.77% for DF70JB30 and by 3.82% for DF67JB30Al2O3. Noise emissions, a crucial factor influenced by the fuel type, were lower for all blended fuels compared to pure diesel fuel (DF). The addition of nanoparticles also contributed to a reduction in the combustion pressure rise rate, resulting in decreased combustion noise. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that both the binary blend DF70JB30 and the ternary blend DF67JB30Al2O3 can be used in diesel engines without necessitating any adjustments. However, DF67JB30Al2O3 demonstrated superior outcomes when compared to DF70JB30.