Plastic waste-derived fuel in diesel engine for 4 kW power generation supporting smart grid stabilization

This research demonstrates the conversion of plastic waste, specifically LDPE and PE, into fuel oil using a pyrolysis process. The fuel produced was tested in a diesel engine connected to a 4-kW generator for smart grid power supply. Using a fixed-bed pyrolysis reactor, the process reduced the required operating temperature by 250–300 °C and achieved a plastic-to-oil conversion yield of 66.67%–75.52%. The produced pyrolysis oil showed physical properties close to standard diesel, with a density of 0.74941 g/cm 3 and viscosity of 1.007 mm 2 /s, following ASTM standards. Its chemical composition included 80.98% carbon, 12.88% hydrogen, 0.21% nitrogen, and 5.93% oxygen, with a heating value of 36.46 kJ/kg. Economically, pyrolysis oil costs 20 baht/liter (0.57 USD), which is significantly cheaper than commercial diesel at 32.94 baht/liter (0.94 USD). While diesel oil showed higher engine efficiency (60.64%) compared to pyrolysis oil (49.41%), the study suggests that pyrolysis offers a promising solution for plastic waste management by producing a cost-effective, diesel-like alternative fuel suitable for energy applications. • A fixed-bed pyrolysis reactor, the process reduced the required operating temperature by 250–300 °C. • 4 kW power generation to support smart grid stabilization for the demonstration in the rural area in Thailand. • Waste plastic to energy management of the municipality in the rural area in Thailand.