Jatropha Biodiesel: Properties and Performance

The need for cheap, readily available and sustainable source of energy is inevitable today. The search for alternative fuels to fossil fuels as source of energy has been on the rise; largely as a result of environmental concerns, and also as they are non-renewable. In the present study, the suitability of use of Jatropha Methyl Ester or Biodiesel and its blends with grade No. 2 diesel fuel (DF2) as an alternative fuel for compression ignition engines is investigated. Jatropha biodiesel is characterized as to specific gravity, viscosity, calorific value, acid number, heating value, ignition quality, cold temperature behaviour and copper corrosion. The effects of pre-heating and blending with DF2 on properties and engine performance are also investigated. This work gives baseline information on Jatropha methyl ester as an alternative fuel to diesel oil, and useful to researchers in the field of Renewable energy. It gives important insights for consideration to Jatropha biodiesel users. Further work is suggested for graduate students or researchers who have a passion in biodiesel development.

Autorentext

Richard K. Kimilu, MSc(Eng), BSc(Eng): Studied Mechanical Engineering at University of Nairobi. Currently a Tutorial Fellow, University of Nairobi and a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at National Taiwan University of Science & Technology, Taiwan, R.O.C. Main subjects are Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics.