Life cycle assessment of the use of Jatropha biodiesel in Indian locomotives

Original publisher: Golden, Colo. : National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2009. OCLC Number: (OCoLC)295118833 Subject: Biodiesel fuels -- Research -- India. Excerpt: ... 1.2 India Rail Sector and Existing Fuels The rail sector in India, operated by IR, is vital to the domestic transport of both passengers and freight. Approximately two billion liters of diesel fuel ( representing more than 3 % of total Indian diesel fuel consumption ) are consumed annually in the operation of almost 4,000 freight and passenger locomotives at a cost of almost $ 1.3 billion per year ( Kathpal 2008 ). IR adds an average of 100-120 locomotives to its fleet every year and is beginning to test and apply biodiesel blends with its fleet to reduce its reliance on petroleum diesel. In laboratory tests, IR compared the engine power, brake specific fuel consumption, and emissions of locomotives operating on conventional diesel to B100 and to biodiesel blends of B10, B20, and B50 ( Kathpal 2008 ). The study found negligible penalties in maximum engine power and fuel consumption for B10 and B20 compared with petroleum diesel. On December 31, 2002, IR used B5 in a test run of the prestigious Shatabdi Express ( Figure 2 ) ( Kathpal 2008 ). The test revealed no adverse effect on hauling capacity, no unusual deposits on the filters, and no deterioration of the condition of the fuel injection system. In May 2004, following the positive results of the initial laboratory and field trials, IR ran a test using B10 to operate the Jan-Shatabadi express for five days. IR observed no adverse effects in terms of hauling capacity, lube oil consumption, engine performance, or Figure 2. Shatabdi Express used in filter deposits. Additionally, fuel injection pumps and biodiesel trial injector nozzles were found in satisfactory condition Source: Kathpal 2008 and free from any gum or resinous deposits ( Kathpal 2008 ). Based on the early positive experimental results with biodiesel blends, IR decided to expand ...