Application of Rapeseed Oil to a Diesel Engine

Biodiesel is transesterified lipids and it is well-known as a diesel alternative. In Japan, there are some researches on production of biodiesel made from rapeseed cultivated in the field lay fallow. However, much energy is consumed in the process of rapeseed cultivation and transesterification. The use of straight rapeseed oil and biodiesel as a fuel in these processes reduce the energy cost. To evaluate the engine performance of raw rapeseed oil and biodiesel made from rapeseed cultivated in Japan, electric generator and PTO (Power Take Off) performance tests were conducted. The results showed similar power performance amongst rapeseed oil, biodiesel, and diesel fuel. In terms of emissions, the rapeseed oil and the biodiesel generated more CO2 and NOx than the diesel fuel on both tests. The CO emissions were reduced during electric generator test, however, CO emissions increased at PTO performance test, using the biodiesel or the rapeseed oil.