Analysis of heat release rate of a diesel engine using Jatropha curcas oil as fuel

Jatropha curcas is suitable for growing in the barren mountains. It has high productivity of seed oil. It is a good renewable energy sources. It is important for the practical application of Jatropha oil to study on the heat release rate of a diesel engine using Jatropha curcas oil as fuel. In a single cylinder direct injection ZH1115 diesel engine fueled with Jatropha curcas oil, the cylinder pressure is measured. The heat release rate of the engine is calculated based on the measured cylinder pressure. It is found that the maximum heat release rate decreases, its corresponding phase advanced, the combustion is smooth with the fuel supply advance angle increasing. The maximum heat release rate and maximum combustion temperature increase, and their corresponding phase delay with the load increasing at the same speed. The after combustion is reduced when the fuel is preheated.