Diesel Engine Endurance (Jatropha Biodiesel Fueled)

The bulk of the small-scale industries (bakeries, steel works and, grains, cassava, seeds and vegetable mills) and rural electrification schemes in developing countries are supplied with electric power from diesel generators. These diesel generators are often operated for upwards of eight hours in a day, which brings to focus the endurance of the generators if run on Jatropha biodiesel. Thus, this work investigated the endurance characteristics of Compression Ignition Engine run on Jatropha biodiesel in comparison to fossil diesel. Five test runs on a diesel engine operated on diesel fuel and Jatropha biodiesel blends each were conducted. The outcome of this work will determine whether a diesel engine run on Jatropha biodiesel could endure long hours of operation considering the dependence on diesel engine prime movers in the generation of electric power for use in small scale industries and the rural areas. A positive outcome can enhance diversity in the supply of diesel fuel and contribute to securing sustainability in its supply. It should also be useful to research fellows, students as well as governments’ policy makers and administrators.