DECENTRALISED GREEN POWER GENERATION USING METHYL ESTERS OF NON-EDIBLE OILS

Research work on renewable energy systems for rural electrification have been quite intensive in recent years. In remote areas, some villages are still not reach of electricity because providing grid connection is impossible. Approximately twenty percent of global population are living without electricity in the world. For enhancement of rural livelihood, use of green energy sources encompasses greater employment opportunity, energy security and minimizes the greenhouse effects. The conventional method of local generation uses diesel generator that is not environment friendly. Bio-fuels have been the optimistic choice to meet this requirement. Biodiesel is a renewable source which has nearly the same efficiency as conventional petro-diesel. This paper experimentally investigates biodiesel blends (Diesel+Biodiesel) derived from non-edible oils as an alternative energy source for operating the diesel power generator. In this study, seven methyl esters extracted from non-edible oils of pongamia, jatroba, mahua, mesuaferra, linseed, neem and cotton seed are considered. The generator performances such as voltage regulation, frequency, fuel consumption, efficiency and emission characteristics are found in various load conditions. Based on the observations, pongamia oil was found to be a good alternative fuel for power generation.