Combustion analysis of coconut oil and its methyl esters in a diesel engine

Renewable diesel fuel substitutes need to be developed to fulfil the future energy demands in regions such as the Maldives where traditional petroleum-based fuels are scarce or non-existent. Therefore, the interest in developing alternative fuels based on locally available raw materials has increased during the past few years. This paper is based mainly on the possible use of coconut-oil-based fuels that can be produced in the Maldives and can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel. The combustion data of coconut oil, coconut oil methyl esters and diesel fuel were compared using a naturally aspirated single-cylinder diesel engine. The engine performed well on the three fuels except for initial engine starting problems with coconut oil. In addition, there was a small reduction in power using coconut oil, consistent with the lower calorific value of the fuel. Comparative combustion analysis data together with the emissions for the three fuels are presented.