3.4.16 Acid Value ......................................................................................... 66
3.4.17 Phosphorous ..................................................................................... 67
3.4.18 Methanol/Ethanol Content ............................................................ 67
3.4.19 Lubricity ............................................................................................ 67
3.4.20 Sodium and Potassium ................................................................... 69
3.5 Biodiesel Quality Standards....................................................................... 69
3.6 Engine Tests .................................................................................................. 70
3.6.1 Engine Performance and Emission Studies ................................. 71
3.6.2 Engine Durability Studies ..............................................................77
3.7 Challenges for Biodiesel ............................................................................. 78
References............................................................................................................... 79
42
Alternative Fuels for Transportation
3.1 Introduction
Petroleum products consumption is increasing day-by-day as the number of
vehicles on road increases. Combustion of hydrocarbon fuel increases its concentration in the environmental pollution also. There is a need to solve these
twin problems—fuel supply and environmental pollution. Nonrenewable
fuel emits more hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon monoxides as compared to renewable biofuels. Various alternative fuels are considered as substitute fuels for petroleum products and efforts were made to
analyze the suitability of the fuel and its demonstration. Renewable fuels
have received more attention as they reduce the environmental pollution
(by completing carbon cycle) and reduce the import of petroleum. Hence,
researchers and the scientific community worldwide have focused on development of biodiesel and the optimization of the processes to meet the standards and specifications needed for the fuel to be used commercially.
Significant research on the production and application of biomass energy
for fuel purposes is being carried out all around the world. Alcohols, vegetable oils, and their derivatives are the promising biomass sources for use
in engines. Use of biofuels, particularly biodiesel derived from vegetable
oil, is gaining more importance currently as it does not require any engine
hardware modification without affecting the engine performance, no sulfur emissions, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel can
be derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, and algae materials. Dr. Rudolf
Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine created the interest among the public
to use vegetable oil as diesel engine fuel, particularly peanut oil. Low cost
petroleum products are used for diesel engines because of its abundant
availability. However, during the energy crisis period (1970s), vegetable oils
and alcohols were widely used as engine fuel. Due to the ever-rising crude
oil prices and environmental concerns, there has been a renewed focus on
vegetable oils and their derivatives for use as engine fuel.
3.4.17 Phosphorous ..................................................................................... 67
3.4.18 Methanol/Ethanol Content ............................................................ 67
3.4.19 Lubricity ............................................................................................ 67
3.4.20 Sodium and Potassium ................................................................... 69
3.5 Biodiesel Quality Standards....................................................................... 69
3.6 Engine Tests .................................................................................................. 70
3.6.1 Engine Performance and Emission Studies ................................. 71
3.6.2 Engine Durability Studies ..............................................................77
3.7 Challenges for Biodiesel ............................................................................. 78
References............................................................................................................... 79
42
Alternative Fuels for Transportation
3.1 Introduction
Petroleum products consumption is increasing day-by-day as the number of
vehicles on road increases. Combustion of hydrocarbon fuel increases its concentration in the environmental pollution also. There is a need to solve these
twin problems—fuel supply and environmental pollution. Nonrenewable
fuel emits more hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon monoxides as compared to renewable biofuels. Various alternative fuels are considered as substitute fuels for petroleum products and efforts were made to
analyze the suitability of the fuel and its demonstration. Renewable fuels
have received more attention as they reduce the environmental pollution
(by completing carbon cycle) and reduce the import of petroleum. Hence,
researchers and the scientific community worldwide have focused on development of biodiesel and the optimization of the processes to meet the standards and specifications needed for the fuel to be used commercially.
Significant research on the production and application of biomass energy
for fuel purposes is being carried out all around the world. Alcohols, vegetable oils, and their derivatives are the promising biomass sources for use
in engines. Use of biofuels, particularly biodiesel derived from vegetable
oil, is gaining more importance currently as it does not require any engine
hardware modification without affecting the engine performance, no sulfur emissions, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel can
be derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, and algae materials. Dr. Rudolf
Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine created the interest among the public
to use vegetable oil as diesel engine fuel, particularly peanut oil. Low cost
petroleum products are used for diesel engines because of its abundant
availability. However, during the energy crisis period (1970s), vegetable oils
and alcohols were widely used as engine fuel. Due to the ever-rising crude
oil prices and environmental concerns, there has been a renewed focus on
vegetable oils and their derivatives for use as engine fuel.