Optimization and Performance Analysis of Microalgae Oil-Derived Biodiesel/Diesel Blends: An Emission Test Study
Journal Title: Journal of Sustainability for Energy - Year 2023, Vol 2, Issue 4
Abstract
The deleterious environmental impacts of crude oil, notably significant pollution and escalated greenhouse gas emissions, necessitate alternative fuels. In this context, biodiesel, particularly when blended with diesel, emerges as a viable substitute. This study investigates the emissions and performance characteristics of diesel-biodiesel blends, utilizing microalgae oil-based biodiesel. Variations in the catalyst (potassium hydroxide, KOH), reaction duration (30-110 minutes), and temperature (30-70oC) were explored to determine their influence on biodiesel yield. The biodiesel produced was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealing distinct absorption bands indicative of various functional groups present. Furthermore, emission testing was conducted on a TecQuipment TD202 diesel engine, a naturally aspirated, single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection, air-cooled model. Optimization studies revealed that the optimal biodiesel yield was achieved using 2g of KOH, at a temperature of 60oC, and within a reaction time of 90 minutes. Emission testing demonstrated a decrease in exhaust gas temperature (EGT) with reduced biodiesel blend ratios and an increase with engine speed across all blends. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions diminished with lower biodiesel concentrations, whereas carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions escalated. Total hydrocarbons (THCs) emissions increased with reduced biodiesel content, and smoke opacity escalated with lower biodiesel blend ratios. This investigation methodically examines the emissions from various biodiesel blends, underscoring their potential as a cleaner, more sustainable option for the transportation sector.
Authors and Affiliations
Olusola D. Ogundele, Isiaka A. Amoo, Adeniyi O. Adesina, Afeez Abidemi
ENEA’s Approach and Technologies for the Development of Smart Energy Communities in Italy
The implementation of certain European Union (EU) directives into Italian national legislation through several legislative decrees has catalyzed the establishment of energy communities in Italy. In this context, Energy a...
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in IoT-WSN Systems via a Hybrid Crow Search and Firefly Algorithm
In the realm of enterprise technology, Internet of Things (IoT)-based wireless devices have witnessed significant advancements, enabling seamless interactions among machines, sensors, and physical objects. A critical com...
Enhancing Charge Transport and Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells via Integration with Porous Copper-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their promising potential in photovoltaic applications. Ongoing research aims to enhance the efficiency, stability, and overall p...
Optimization of Laminar Flow in Non-Circular Ducts: A Comprehensive CFD Analysis
This study presents a detailed Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, focusing on optimizing laminar flow within non-circular ducts, specifically those with square, rectangular, and triangular configurations. The s...
Sustainability Assessment Techniques and Potential Sustainability Accreditation Tools for Energy-Product Systems Modelling
The modelling of complex technological systems serves as the foundation for enhancing process performance, including sustainability features (triple-bottom line). The European Green Deal, proposed in 2019, aims to cut gr...