Project Abstract

Abstract
Biodiesel, derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, has gained significant attention as an alternative fuel source due to its environmental benefits and potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This research project focuses on the production, characteristics, and applications of biodiesel as a sustainable energy source. The production of biodiesel involves a process called transesterification, where triglycerides present in oils and fats are converted into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and glycerol. This process can be carried out using various feedstocks including soybean oil, canola oil, waste cooking oil, and animal fats. Biodiesel properties such as viscosity, density, flash point, and cetane number are crucial for determining its compatibility with existing engines and infrastructure. Biodiesel offers several environmental advantages over conventional diesel fuel, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced particulate matter, and lower sulfur content. Additionally, biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it safer for handling, storage, and transportation compared to petroleum-based fuels. In terms of applications, biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum diesel in various proportions. Biodiesel blends such as B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% diesel) and B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) are commonly used in diesel engines without requiring significant modifications. Higher blends such as B100 (pure biodiesel) may necessitate engine modifications due to differences in properties compared to diesel fuel. The use of biodiesel can contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting local production of renewable energy. Additionally, biodiesel production can create opportunities for farmers and rural communities by providing an additional revenue stream from cultivating feedstock crops. Challenges associated with biodiesel production and utilization include feedstock availability, competition with food production, and the need for infrastructure development. Research efforts are ongoing to improve the efficiency of biodiesel production processes, explore new feedstock options, and enhance the performance of biodiesel in different engine types and climates. Overall, biodiesel presents a promising solution for transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future by reducing environmental impacts, promoting energy independence, and supporting rural development. Continued research and development in biodiesel technology are essential for maximizing its benefits and overcoming existing limitations in widespread adoption.

Project Overview

Corn can be harvested to produce ethanol. Credit: Warren Gretz.

Unlike other renewable energy sources, biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels – biofuels – for our transportation needs (cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, and trains). The two most common types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.

Ethanol is an alcohol, the same found in beer and wine. It is made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates (starches, sugars, or celluloses) through a process similar to brewing beer. Ethanol is mostly used as a fuel additive to cut down a vehicle’s carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions. But flexible-fuel vehicles, which run on mixtures of gasoline and up to 85% ethanol, are now available.

Biodiesel is made by combining alcohol (usually methanol) with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking greases. It can be used as an additive to reduce vehicle emissions (typically 20%) or in its pure form as a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines.

Other biofuels include methanol and reformulated gasoline components. Methanol, commonly called wood alcohol, is currently produced from natural gas, but could also be produced from biomass. There are a number of ways to convert biomass to methanol, but the most likely approach is gasification. Gasification involves vaporizing the biomass at high temperatures, then removing impurities from the hot gas and passing it through a catalyst, which converts it into methanol.

Most reformulated gasoline components produced from biomass are pollution-reducing fuel additives, such as methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE).