University of Bath

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is one of the major biofuels. It is a mono alkyl ester made through a transesterification process [5]. Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel produced from a wide range of vegetable oils (mostly soybean and rapeseed oil) and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended with standard diesel fuel (e.g.B20) [8]. It is a safe fuel in terms of providing energy security and emissions although being not a completely clean burning fuel. Nevertheless, it is less polluting than regular diesel and is biodegradable It can be used in most diesel vehicles with a low level blend.

Figure 6: Plant where esterification occurs [8].

Advantages

 

· It can be domestically produced from non-petroleum, renewable resources. And can help reduce dependency on imported fuels.

 

· Can be used in most diesel engines, especially recent ones [8].

 

· Biofuels are non-toxic and biodegradable [8].

 

· Safer to handle than conventional diesel [8].

 

· Because the crops used to make biodiesel take in carbon dioxide when they grow, biodiesel is considered a renewable fuel. It gives a 60% reduction in CO₂ well to wheel.

 

· It helps lubricate the engine itself, decreasing engine wear and tear, therefore increasing engine’s life [12].

 

 

Disadvantages

 

· Lower fuel economy and power (10% lower for B100, 2% for B20) [8] .

 

· Currently more expensive (30%-40% more than standard diesel).

 

· Biodiesel thickens and freezes at low temperatures [10].

 

· Biodiesel is not currently widely available [4].

 

· Biodiesel contains about 8% less energy per gallon than petroleum diesel [5] .

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Figure 7: Biodiesel vehicle [12].