Characterization of exhaust gas emissions from a generator engine, using degummed oil blends of jatropha with diesel fuel

Degummed oil derived from Jatropha curcas L., is a potential alternative to fossil fuels for diesel generator engine in the world and in particular in Mozambique, because it can be cheaper and easier to produce than esters free fatty acid, although its physical and chemical properties, high viscosity and lower oxidative stability, is a problem. As an attempt to use the degummed oil of Jatropha curcas in diesel generator engine, degummed oil blends with diesel fuel were used in this study. Performance tests were carried out, as well as the evaluation of exhaust emissions in combustion. The results showed that a single-cylinder generator engine can be successfully operated with mixtures of diesel fuel and degummed oil to 20%, because no significant changes were observed in the emission of exhaust gas. The thermal efficiency does not change with 20% of degummed oil, but decreases in 40-100%. The specific fuel consumption increases and energy consumption decreases in all mixtures with all engine load. The hydrocarbons are equivalent to diesel fuel at the mixture of 20% degummed oil, but increases as the mixture ratio increases. It was also evident that NOx emissions decrease with mixtures of 40% to 100% of the degummed oil as compared to diesel fuel.