Investigations of combustion characteristcs of peanut fatty acid methyl ester for power generation

The purpose of the study is to investigate the feasibility of biodiesel produced from peanuts for power generation and confirmed through engine investigations. Prior to engine research, the properties of peanut biodiesel were investigated to determine the biofuel characteristics and allow insight into the combustion quality. The characteristics of peanut FAME-diesel mixtures displayed viscosity and heat of combustion results comparable with diesel No. 2. The cloud point of 100% peanut FAME was higher than desirable but was able to reach acceptable levels when blended with diesel No.2. Injection, ignition, and combustion analysis results demonstrated that 20-50% (wt./wt.) peanut FAME blends would operate sufficiently in a diesel engine and displayed similar results as diesel. Fuel consumption and NOx emissions increased slightly as the peanut FAME content increased. Analysis of the mechanical efficiency results displayed a slight drop in efficiency suggesting peanut FAME as a viable alternative fuel used with diesel engine power generators.