Nnadikwe Johnson, Nwosi Hezekiah Andrew, Onuruka Anthony Uzodinma
Issue :
ASRIC Journal of Agricultural Sciences 2024 v5-i1
Journal Identifiers :
ISSN : 2795-3572
EISSN : 2795-3572
Published :
2024-12-30
Moringa oleifera, a tropical and subtropical crop, is poised to revolutionize the biofuel industry with its valuable resource, moringa seed oil. This innovative design approach harnesses the power of moringa seed oil as a sustainable and efficient fuel option. With each fruit containing 6-10 seeds, yielding 38-40% colorless and odorless vegetable oil, moringa seed oil is rich in oleic acid, making it an ideal candidate for biodiesel production. This comprehensive research paper assesses the economic applications of moringa seed oil, exploring its viability as an alternative transport fuel in Nigeria. The study delves into various aspects of Moringa oleifera, including its distribution, growth patterns, production methods, oil extraction techniques, and potential for biodiesel production. The study revealed that Moringa oleifera oil exhibits promising biodiesel properties, including a high cetane number, low viscosity, and suitable fatty acid composition. Engine performance tests demonstrated that Moringa oleifera oil produces comparable power output and efficiency to conventional diesel fuel. Additionally, emission analysis showed significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and CH4, particulate matter, and NOx, when using Moringa oleifera oil. Furthermore, economic analysis indicated that Moringa oleifera oil is cost-effective, with lower production costs compared to conventional biodiesel sources. The research recommended among others the investigation of engine combustion characteristics, focusing on optimization of injection timing, compression ratio, and fuel blend ratios to enhance performance and reduce emissions. Also, An in-depth analysis of emission parameters, including regulated and unregulated pollutants, should be conducted under various operating conditions to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Moreso, A comprehensive environmental impact assessment is necessary, considering land use, water usage, and potential ecosystem effects, to ensure sustainable production and use of moringa oleifera oil. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, biodiesel, sustainable energy, alternative fuel, economic application, innovation, design approach.