Experimental investigation on direct use of raw Jatropha oil for domestic illumination purpose

In rural areas kerosene or wax is still the main energy source for domestic illuminating purpose. Use of electricity is limited mainly to urban areas due to high prices, shortages, uncertain supply, and difficult distribution of the energy sources especially in remote areas. Introduction of fuel-efficient lamps using plant oils can significantly reduce the kerosene consumption. Plant oils, as being a promising alternative energy source, offer a variety of economical and ecological advantages. Investigations indicate that since plant oils have high ignition points and high viscosity, some sort of fabrication and modification of the typical illumination lamps, which are available in most developing countries, is required to guarantee continuous combustion. Under these circumstances, a modified plant oil-burning lamp has been designed. The fuel consumption rate and the smoke point are estimated by appropriate experiments. The various positives of this approach are discussed in the results and discussion section. The limitations and shortcomings of this effort are vividly stated. Some recommendations are also mentioned to surpass these difficulties that require future research work on this topic.