Investigation of the Endurance Characteristics of a Compression Ignition Engine runs on Jatropha Biodiesel

The need to ensure diversity in energy supply and its long-term sustainability necessitated the quest for renewable energy sources. Jatropha biodiesel is a renewable energy source that can be used to run a diesel engine without any modification to the engine. This work investigated the endurance characteristics of a compression ignition engine run on Jatropha biodiesel in comparison to fossil diesel. Results of the investigation indicate that an engine run on Jatropha biodiesel blends could endure longer hours of operation due to lower engine operating temperatures, than when it is run on diesel fuel. The maximum engine temperature recorded when the engine was run on diesel fuel was 161 °C. Whereas, the maximum engine temperature recorded when it was run on the Jatropha biodiesel blends was 147 °C. However, an engine run on Jatropha biodiesel blends would result to more frequent choking of oil filters and earlier lubrication oil change