The use of waste transformer oils as alternative fuel in a diesel engine-powered generator set

In this study, waste transformator oils were used in a diesel engine powered generator set as alternative fuel. Waste transformator oil was tested in blends with conventional diesel rather than direct use owing to its very high viscosity compared with conventional diesel fuels. Up to 60% of waste transformator oil added to conventional diesel with an increase of 10% by volume was found to have a viscosity which are within specified standards. Therefore, the blends of waste transformator oil with diesel at the rates of 20%, 40% and 60% were tested in a 4-stroke and 4-cylinder direct injection diesel engine powered generator set under constant speed-variable load conditions. In tests, for each fuels, performance, exhaust emissions and cylinder gas pressure measurements were performed. Measured and calculated results were compared with the results of convantional diesel that was tested at same conditions. In the experiments, therefore, a blended fuel contained waste transformator oil at a high ratio was also tested.. Experimental results showed that specific fuel consumption was reduced by about 38% while efficiency was improved by about 39% when using blended fuels. Mean NOx and unburned HC emissions were reduced with using blended fuels compared with conventional diesel. Cylinder gas pressure was higher for blended fuels than that of conventional diesel while the start of combustion was later in case of blended fuels.