Assessment and Optimization of Energy use of Yellow Oleander (Thevetia Peruviana) for Biodiesel Blends in Nigeria

In this study, Yellow oleander (Thevetia Peruviana) was assessed and optimized for biodiesel extraction. A 3.5kg of seeds was obtained, dried, cleaned, milled and 1.9 liters of oil was extracted by hand press. The oil was transesterified with 4 solvents blended within 6 rations and tested in a power point F165 single cylinder four stroke diesel engine. This was connected to aTD114 instrumentation under varying torque conditions for measuring engine performance. Engine parameters investigated includes among others are Power developed and specific fuel consumption. Regression was analyzed based on torque fit line to examine the indices tested. The average exhaust emissions of carbons from diesel engine had effect on biodiesel blends and engine torque. Emission was found to decrease with the increase in proportion of biodiesel in the fuel blends, NOx increases with increase in biodiesel while SO2 decreased with increase in the ratio of biodiesel. Based on the studies on physicochemical properties of yellow oleander, it was discovered that oil obtained from non-edible seeds like yellow oleander has eco-friendly alternatives to diesel fuel that has higher effect of emissions which increase global warming. The objectives of the study was to ascertain the potential of Yellow oleander as an alternative to diesel fuel for an internal combustion engine while providing acceptable engine performance.