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BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM MACROALGAE AS A RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE
Sarfaraj Khan
TP 359 B46 S244 2012
Master of Engineering 2012
. sat Khidmat MakluatatAkademih uNNERSm MALAYSIA SARAWAK
BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM MACRO ALGAE AS A RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE
SARFARAJ KHAN
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of
Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
Faculty of Engineering UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2012
AUTHOR'S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this thesis is my original writing. This is a true copy of the thesis, including
the requirement of final revisions, as suggested by my examiners.
I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public.
ýn- ýzý Fes- ýD-=('y=---
SarfaraWhan Dr. Abu Saleh Ahmed
Student No. 10021613 (Supervisor)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All Praise to almighty Allah for giving me the strength and patience to complete this task
successfully. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to my supervisor Dr. Abu
Saleh Ahmed, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Department in Faculty of
Engineering at University Malaysia Sarawak, for his support, guidance and constructive
comments to enhance the quality of this thesis. I am also grateful to my co-supervisor Prof
Dr. Sinin Hamdan for his valuable suggestions as a guardian. Thankful to my co-supervisor
Dr. Rubiah Baini, head of Chemical Engineering and Energy Sustainability Department for
her cooperativeness. Thanks to some of the post graduate students for their inspiration.
My thanks also to the technicians of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
Department and Chemical Engineering & Energy Sustainability Department in Faculty of
Engineering, Faculty of Resource Science & Technology at University Malaysia Sarawak,
who were helped me in laboratory during research work. I would like to show my
appreciation to all who have provided assistance to me in pursuing my Master of Engineering
(Chemical) Degree in Faculty of Engineering, UNIMAS.
I would like to thanks those who provided technical information that was helpful in
putting together in this report, especially Pn Nurridan Binti Abdul Han, Marine Fisheries
Research Institute Sarawak, for her support to recognize the macroalgae species.
I also like to acknowledge the financial support of Fundamental Research Grant Scheme
(FRGS) Malaysia and UNIMAS postgraduate scholarship (ZPU) during my research work.
Special thanks to my beloved family members for their support.
1
ABSTRAK
Biodiesel, ester monoalkyl rantai panjang asid lemak yang dihasilkan daripada sumber
yang boleh diperbaharui seperti minyak tumbuh-tumbuhan atau lemak haiwan melalui
transesterification dan memenuhi ASTM D 6751 spesifikasi standard untuk digunakan
sebagai bahan api alternatif. Transesterification adalah proses mengeluarkan glycerides
dan menggabungkan ester minyak minyak sayur-sayuran dengan alkohol untuk
mengurangkan kelikatan bahan api. Macroalgae adalah salah satu sumber-sumber yang
murah bahan mentah sawit untuk pengeluaran biodiesel. Tidak seperti bahan mentah yang
lain untuk pengeluaran biodiesel, macroalgae boleh tumbuh di tempat yang jauh dari tanah
ladang dan hutan, dan dengan itu mengurangkan kerosakan yang disebabkan kepada
sistem rantai makanan.
Penyelidikan ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji perahan minyak dari macroalgae,
penukaran minyak alga kepada biodiesel, pencirian biodiesel dan prestasi enjin diesel
yang menggunakan campuran biodiesel alga. Minyak alga diekstrak dengan kaedah
pengekstrakan pelarut heksana dari enam spesies (L. Epiphytic, Cladophora, Agardhiella,
Gracilaria, Spirogyra dan Bryopsis Pennata) macroalgae. Agardhiella mempunyai
tertinggi 0.89% kandungan lipid dalam segar dan 6.60 % dalam tempoh asas kering. Asid
diukur lemak bebas (FFA) dalam minyak yang diekstrak berada di bawah 4.0 %.
Biodiesel dihasilkan melalui transesteri fication asas-catalyzed proses yang berbeza.
Hasil tertinggi didapati 92% di metanol dengan nisbah minyak 4: 1, kalium hidroksida
(KOH) 1.0% berat di atas plat panas dengan kacau. Ciri-ciri bahan api dan spektrum FTIR
biodiesel alga adalah sama dengan diesel petroleum. Biodiesel campuran dengan diesel
petroleum antara BO (100% diesel petroleum) kepada B30 (30% biodiesel + 70% diesel
petroleum) telah disediakan untuk menjalankan ujian prestasi enjin. Keputusan
menunjukkan bahawa penggunaan bahan api tentu meningkat sebagai peratusan biodiesel
meningkat dalam campuran bahan api. Kuasa brek enjin adalah sedikit lebih tinggi
berbanding diesel biasa dan menurun dengan peningkatan kelajuan enjin. Ujian pelepasan
ekzos telah menunjukkan bahawa biodiesel macroalgae menyediakan ketara
mengurangkan pengeluaran karbon monoksida (CO) dan hidro karbon (HC) zarah yang
berbahaya. Pelepasan oksida nitrogen (NOX) didapati lebih tinggi sedikit berbanding
dengan diesel petroleum.
ii
ABSTRACT
(Biodiesel is monoalkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids produced from renewable
resources like plant oils or animal fats through transesteri fication. The biodiesel should meet
the ASTM D6751 standard specifications for the application as an alternative fuel. The
transesterification is the process of removing the glycerines and combining fatty acid of
vegetable oil (triglycerides) with monoalcohol to lower the viscosity of the fuel. Macroalgae
are one of the inexpensive sources of oil feedstock for biodiesel production. Unlike other
feedstock for biodiesel production, macroalgae can grow in places away from the farmland
and forests and thus minimizing the damages caused to the food chain system).
This research was conducted to study the oil extraction from macroalgae, conversion
of algae oil to biodiesel, characterization of biodiesel and the performance of the diesel engine
using the algae oil biodiesel blends. The algae oil was extracted by hexane solvent extraction
method from six species (L. Epiphytic, Cladophora, Agardhiella, Gracilaria, Spirogyra and
Bryopsis Pennata) of macroalgae. Agardhiella had highest 0.89 % (v/w) oil content in fresh
and 6.60% in dry basis. The measured Free Fatty Acid (FFA) in extracted oil was below 4%.
Biodiesel was produced through base-catalysed transesterification of different process.
The highest yield was found 92 % (v/v) at methanol to oil ratio 4: 1, catalyst (KOH) 1.0 %
(w/v) in heating with continuous stirring. The fuel properties and FTIR spectrum of algae
biodiesel were similar to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel ranging
from BO (100 % petroleum diesel) to B30 (30% biodiesel + 70% petroleum diesel) were
prepared to carry out the engine performance test. The results showed that the specific fuel
consumption increased as biodiesel percentages increase in fuel blends. The engine brake
power was slight higher than ordinary diesel and decreased as engine speed increases. The
exhaust emission tests showed that the macroalgae oil biodiesel provides significantly
reducing harmful emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
hydrocarbon (HC) particles.
111
I`usac KkiiamJit IvlaWilmatAkademi} UNNERSM MALAYSIA SAI(AWAK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABSTRAK
ABSTRACT
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Page
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1.1 Background 02
1.2 Advantages of Biodiesel 03
1.3 Biodiesel in Worldwide 06
1.4 Engine Manufacturers Position 08
1.5 Biodiesel from Algae 08
1.5.1 Potential of Algae Oil Biodiesel 11
1.5.2 Global Status of Algae Oil Biodiesel 12
1.6 Biodiesel in Malaysia 16
1.6.1 Scope of Biodiesel Production from Macroalgae in Sarawak. 17
1.7 Objectives 18
1.8 Brief Outline of the Report 19
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Algae
2.2 Types of Algae
2.3 Development of Algae Biodiesel
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2.4 Scope on Biodiesel Production from Algae
2.4.1 Algae Chemical Composition
2.5 Extraction of Algae Oil
2.6 Transesterification of Triglycerides
2.6.1 Chemical Reaction
2.6.2 Base Catalysed Mechanism
2.7 Biodiesel Production
2.7.1 Neutralization of Free Fatty Acids
2.7.2 Conversion of Oil to Biodiesel
2.7.3 Separation and Purification
2.7.4 Alternative Production Methods
2.8 Biodiesel Properties
2.9 Factors Affecting the Yield of Biodiesel production
2.9.1 Effect of Reaction Temperature
2.9.2 Effect of Methanol to Oil Ratio
2.9.3 Effect of Percentages of Catalyst
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Experimental Site
3.2.1 Raw Materials, Equipments andChemicals
3.3 Algae Collection
3.4 Algae Oil Extraction Process
3.5 Measurement of FFA in Algal Oil
3.6 Biodiesel Production Procedures
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3.6.1 Biodiesel Production
3.6.2 Settling
3.6.3 Separation of Biodiesel
3.6.4 Purification
3.7 Biodiesel Test
3.8 Engine Parameter
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Oil Extraction
4.2.1 Oil Extraction from Fresh Macroalgae
4.2.2 Oil Extraction from Dry Macroalgae
4.3 FFA Measurement of Algae Oil
4.4 Biodiesel Yield
4.5 Characteristics Result
4.5.1 FTIR Test
4.5.2 Heating Value and Fuel Properties
4.5.3 Burning Test
4.5.4 Engine Performance
4.5.5 Exhaust Emission Analysis
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusions
5.2 Recommendations
REFERENCES PUBLICATIONS APPENDIX-A APPENDIX-B
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V1
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Table-1.1: Fuel Property of Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel at ASTM Standard 04
Table 1.2: Biodiesel Emissions Compared To Conventional Diesel 05
Table 1.3: Biodiesel Production Capacity in Year 2009 and 20010 07
Table-1.5 Comparison of Some Sources of Biodiesel 11
Table-2.1: Chemical Composition of Algae 29
Table 3.1: Specification of Chemicals 49
Table 3.2: Collection of Macroalgae 49
Table-3.3: Biodiesel Blend 57
Table-3.4: Specification of Diesel Engine 59
Table-4.1: Oil Extraction from Fresh Macroalgae 62
Table-4.2: Drying of Fresh Macroalgae in Sunlight and Oven Dryer. 63
Table-4.3: Oil Extraction from Dry Macroalgae in Soxhlet Apparatus 64
Table-4.4: Comparison of Oil Extraction from Blender and Soxhlet 64
Table-4.5: Titration Data for FFA Measurement of Algae Oil 65
Table-4.6: Biodiesel Production Changing Methanol to Oil ratio 66
Table-4.7: Biodiesel Production Changing the Percentages of Catalyst 67
Table-4.8: Production Parameter of Different Process 68
Table-4.9: Measurement of Heating Value of Fuel 70
Table-4.10: Fuel Properties of Algae Biodiesel & Conventional Diesel 71
Table -4.11: Engine Performance Data for Biodiesel Blend 72
vii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Figure 1.1: Biodiesel Production Capacity
Figure-2.1: Transesteri fication of Plant Oil to Biodiesel
Figure-2.2: Alkyl Group, R1, R2, R3 in Transesterification of Oil to Biodiesel
Figure-2.3: Effect of Reaction Temperature on Biodiesel Production
Figure-2.4: Effect of Methanol-to-Oil Ratio to Biodiesel Yield
Figure-2.5: Effect of Percentages of Catalyst on Biodiesel Production
Figure-3.1: Schematic Diagram for Biodiesel Production from Macroalgae
Figure -3.2: Macroalgae Species
Figure-3.3: a) Macroalgae Drying
Figure-3.4: a)Blending of Macroalgae
Figure-3.5: a) Seperation of Oil Layer and b) Extracted Oil
Figure-3.6: a) Mortar, b) Grinder andc) Dry Powder in Thimble
Figure-3.7: a) Soxhlet Apparatus and b) Rotary Vaccum Evaporator
Figure-3.8: Schematic Diagram of Biodiesel Production Process
Figure-3.9: a) Hot Plate, b) Orbital Shaker and c) Autoclave
Figure-3.10: a) Separation, b) Washing & pH Test and c) Biodiesel in Beaker
Figure-3.11: a) Bomb Calorimeter, b) FTIR Machine and C) Viscometer
Figure-3.12: a) Burning of B 100, b) Burning of B20 and c) Burning of BO
Figure-3.13: a) Yanmar Engine, b) Isuzu Engine and c) Horiba Gas Analyzer
Figure -4.1: Oil Extraction from Fresh Macroalgae
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Figure-4.2: Comparison of Macroalgae Drying in Sunlight and Oven Dryer 63
Figure-4.3: Oil Extraction through Soxhlet Apparatus 64
Figure-4.4: Comparison of Oil Extraction between Fresh and Dry Macroalgae 65
Figure-4.5: Effect of Methanol to Oil ratio on the Production Yield 66
Figure-4.6: Effect of KOH Percentages on the Production Yield 67
Figure-4.7: Biodiesel Production Yield of Different Process 68
Figure-4.8: FTIR Spectrum of Algae Oil, Algae Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel 69
Figure-4.9: Fuel Consumption Rate of Diesel Engine 72
Figure -4.10: Brake power (kW) vs. Engine Speed (rpm) 73
Figure-4.11: CO Emission vs. Engine Speed. 74
Figure-4.12: NOx Emission (ppm) vs. Engine Speed (rpm). 74
Figure-4.13: HC Emission (ppm) vs. Engine Speed (rpm). 75
ix
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ASTM
B 100
B20
bgy
CH3ONa
CO2
CPO
C-H
C=0
EMRE
EU
FFA
FRI
FTIR
g
GHG
HC
HPLC
I
IEA
American Society for Testing and Materials
100% biodiesel
20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel
Billion Gallons per Year
Sodium Methoxide
Carbon Dioxide
Crude Palm Oil
Alkanes Functional Group
Carbonyl Functional Group
Exxon Mobil Research and Engineering Company
European Union
Free fatty acid
Fisheries Research Institute
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Gram
Greenhouse Gases
Hydrocarbon
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
Current (A)
International Energy Agency
X
KOH
1
MIT
ml
m
MPOB
NAABB
NaOH
NOX
NBB
NREL
02
PBR
R&D
Ipm
Sfc
S02
TAGs
TPM
V
Potassium hydroxide
Litre
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Millilitre
Fuel Flow Rate
Malaysian Palm Oil Board
National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels & Bioproducts
Sodium Hydroxide
Oxides of Nitrogen
National Biodiesel Board
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Oxygen
Photobioreactors
Research and Development
Revolution per minute
Specific Fuel Consumption
Sulphur Dioxide
Triacylglycerols
Technology Park Malaysia
Voltage (V)
xi
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Due to the depletion of fossil fuel reserve and environmental concerns, a search for
alternative fuels have gain significant attention over the years. Among different possible
resources, fuels which are derived from triglycerides of vegetable oils and animal fats present
a promising alternative to substitute petroleum-based diesel fuels. A number of studies have
shown that triglycerides of vegetable oils can be used as diesel fuels (Fukuda et al., 2001).
When Rudolf Diesel designed his prototype diesel engine a century ago, he ran it on peanut
oil. He planned that diesel engines would operate on a variety of vegetable oils. Although
diesel engines will run on various vegetable oils, prolonged use of these fuels in an engine can
cause a number of problems such as; poor fuel atomization, coldengine start-up, oil ring
stickening, gum and other deposit formation (Nitske et al., 1965). Consequently, considerable
efforts have been made to develop alternative fuels that have the properties and performance
as the petroleum-based diesel fuels, and the most promising way is the transesterification of
triglycerides to fatty acid alkyl esters, chemically alters organically derived oils in forming
biodiesel fuel.
Transesterification, also called alcoholysis, is the reaction of a fat or oil with an
alcohol to form esters and glycerol (Fangrui et al., 1999). This process has been widely used
to reduce the viscosity of vegetable oils (triglycerides). In transesterification, triglycerides in
the vegetable oil will react with alcohol to form a mixture of fatty acid alkyl esters and
glycerol.
The fatty acid alkyl esters produced from this process is called biodiesel which has
become more attractive recently because of its environmental and economic benefits.
Biodiesel produced from vegetable oils can be used as an alternative to diesel fuels because
2
the characteristics of biodiesel are close to petroleum-based diesel fuels. Several works have
shown that biodiesel produced from various vegetable oils have viscosity close to petroleum-
based diesel fuel. Their gross heating values are a little lower, but they have high cetane
number and flash points (Fukuda et al., 2001). If methanol is used in transesterification, the
obtained biodiesel will be fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). FAMEs have proper viscosity
and boiling point and high cetane number (Gryglewicz et al., 1999). Transesterification
reaction can be catalyzed by both acidic catalysts and basic catalysts. In general,
homogeneous catalysts such as minerals acids, metal hydroxide and metal alkoxide are
usually used in transesterification reaction. However, the replacement of homogeneous
catalysts by heterogeneous catalysts would have several advantages such as easy catalyst
separation and reduction of environmental pollutants (Gorzawski et al., 1999).
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative diesel engine fuel comprised of monoalkyl
esters of long-chain fatty acids produced from renewable resources like vegetable oils or
animal fats and meets the ASTM D 6751 standard specifications. Biodiesel is simple to use,
biodegradable, non-toxic, and basically free of sulphur compounds and aromatics. Biodiesel is
registered as an alternative fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). B100 (100% Biodiesel) has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department
of Energy (DOE) and the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
1.2 Advantages of Biodiesel
Continuous use of petroleum sourced fuels is now widely recognized as unsustainable
because of depleting supplies and the contribution of these fuels to the accumulation of carbon
dioxide in the environment (Hossain et al., 2008). Renewable, carbon neutral, transport fuels
are necessary for environmental and economic sustainability. Bioenergy is one of the most
important components to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and substitute of fossil fuels.
3
Biodiesel is a successful alternative fuels fulfil the environmental and energy security
needs without sacrificing operating performance. In Table-1.1, the fuel properties of biodiesel
and petroleum diesel are more or less similar. Many arguments have taken place to justify the
usage of biodiesel as alternative fuel. Biodiesel can become the long term availability when
fossil fuels become depleted, reduced dependence on oil imports, development of sustainable
economies for fuel and transportation needs, and the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions (Mousdale, 2008). Biodiesel used in vehicles emit lower toxic and particulate
matter from the exhaust. The smog forming potential of biodiesel hydrocarbons is less than
diesel fuel. The smog formation from biodiesel burning is 50% less than that measured for
conventional diesel. Meanwhile, the exhaust emissions of sulphur are totally eliminated with
pure biodiesel. Sulphur oxides and sulphates are major components that form acid rain.
Table-1.1: Fuel property of Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel at ASTM Standard (NREL)
Fuel Property Diesel Biodiesel
Fuel Standard ASTM D975 ASTM D6751
Higher Heating Value, Btu/gal -137,640 -127,042 Lower Heating Value, Btu/gal -129,050 -118,170 Kinematic Viscosity, 0 40°C (104°F) 1.3-4.1 4.0-6.0
Specific Gravity kg/I ©15.5°C (60°F) 0.85 0.88
Density, lb/gal CD 15.5°C (60°F) 7.1 7.3
Carbon, wt % 87 77
Hydrogen, wt % 13 12
Oxygen, by dif. wt % 0 11
Sulfur, wt % 0.0015 max 0.0-0.0024
Boiling Point, °C (°F) 180-340(356-644) 315-350 (599-662)
Flash Point, °C (°F) 60-80 (140-176) 100-170(212-338)
Cloud Point, °C (°F) -35 to 5 (-31 to 41) -3 to 15 (26 to 59)
Pour Point, °C (°F) -35 to -15 (-31 to 5) -5 to 10 (23 to 50)
Cetane Number 40-55 48-65
4
Pusai Kbjdmat MaklumatAkadenik UNiVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
Table 1.2 shows average biodiesel emissions compared to conventional diesel.
Poisonous gas, carbon monoxide from biodiesel is 48% lower than carbon monoxide emission
from conventional diesel. Inhaling particulate matters in the atmosphere has been a health
hazard for human. The exhaust emission of particulate matter from biodiesel is about 47%
lower than overall particulate matter emissions from conventional diesel. Hydrocarbon
emissions are 67% lower on average, a contributing factor in the localized formation of smog
and ozone.
Table 1.2: Biodiesel Emissions Compared to Conventional Diesel (EPA)
Emission Type B100* B20**
Regulated Total Unburned Hydro Carbons -67% -20% Carbon Monoxide -48% -12% Particulate Matter -47% -12%
+10% +2% to -2% NOx Non Regulated Sulphates -100% -20% PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic
-80% -13% Hydrocarbons) nPah (nitrated PAH) -90% -50% Ozone Potential of speciated HC -50% -10%
*B100 denotes 100% Biodiesel, **B20 is a mixture of 20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel
Biodiesel (monoalkyl esters) is one of such alternative fuel, which is obtained through
transesterification of triglyceride oil with monohydric alcohols. It has been well-reported that
biodiesel obtained from canola and soybean, palm, sunflower oil, algae oil as a diesel fuel
substitute. Biodiesel is a nontoxic and biodegradable alternative fuel that is obtained from
renewable sources. Biodiesel fuel can be prepared from waste cooking oil, such as palm,
soybean, canola, rice bran, sunflower, coconut, corn oil, fish oil, chicken fat and algae which
would partly decrease the dependency on petroleum-based fuel.
5
1.3 Biodiesel in Worldwide
The availability of biodiesel is not widely spread around the world, but several
countries are involved in this industry, producing and consuming the fuel actively. Nowadays,
the reason why biodiesel is still produced in relatively small quantities in comparison to
ethanol and petro diesel is due to commercially available in most oil-seed producing states in
the U. S being somewhat more expensive than fossil diesel (DOE).
Biodiesel has been produced on an industrial scale in the European Union since 1992.
Recently, there are approximately 1 20 plants in the EU producing up to 6,100,000 tonnes of
biodiesel annually (Figure-1.1). These plants are mainly located in Germany, Italy, Austria,
France and Sweden. There are specific regulation to promote and regulate the use of biodiesel
is in force in various countries including Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
10000 EU. 1Aenaier States' Biodiesel Production ('000 t)
9000
--- 'ox 5000 5000 4000
3000 2000
1000
0mJlija 199A 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2000 2009
-I F -*Ice
aspd .; oh aothss fu aTaa Eu
Figure 1.1: Biodiesel Production Capacity (European Biodiesel Board, 201 0)
Figure 1.1, shows that the productions of Biodiesel in European country majority are
increasing over the year. In year 2008, the production of biodiesel from Germany was about
7,800,000 tonnes compare to year 2007 which was 2,000,000 tonnes. Its production w; i
6
increasing up to 5,800,000 tonnes which is about 25.6 percent in year 2007. The production of
biodiesel in European country is discovered will be increasing in the near future. Table-1.3
shows the production capacity in Europe country in year 2009 and 2010.
Table- 1.3: Biodiesel Production Capacity in 2009 and 2010 (European Biodiesel Board, 2010)
2009 Production By Country COUNTRY 1000 TONNES* Germany France Spain Italy Belgium Poland Netherlands Austria Portugal Denmark/Sweden Finland * Czech Republic UK Hungary Slovakia Lithuania Greece Latvia Romania Bulgaria Estonia Ireland Cyprus Slovenia Malta Luxemburg TOTAL
2010 Production Capacity
2539 1959 859 737 416 332 323 310 250 233 220 164 137 133 101 98 77 44 29 25 24 17 9 9 1 0
9,046
COUNTRY Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland* France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland* Italy* Latvia Lithuania Luxemburg Malta The Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden UK TOTAL
'000 TONNES* 560 670 425 20
427 250 135 340
2,505 4,933 662 158 76
2,375 156 147 0 5
1,328 710 468 307 156 105
4,100 277 609
21,904
Total EU27 biodiesel production for 2008 was over 7.7 million metric tonnes, an
increase of 35.7% from the 2007. In 2009 production was increased by 16.6% compared to
2008. Subject to a +/- 5% margin of error.
7
The production capacity of Europe country was gradually increasing about 13,154,000
tonnes which is about 62.9 percent in year 2009. The production of biodiesel seems to be
increasing in the following years.
1.4 Engine Manufacturers Position of Support for Biodiesel Blends (NBB, 2009)
Ford Motor Company: Ford diesel products built up to 2010 MY are compatible
with up to 5 percent biodiesel fuel blends (B5) and has designed the 2011 MY 6.7L Power
stroke Diesel engine to be robust to biodiesel blends up to 20% biodiesel (B20).
General Motors: B20 - Approved for all 2011 and forward model year GM diesel
vehicles including the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevy Express and GMC Savanna.
Isuzu: Isuzu currently approves B5 that meets ASTM D6751but is in the process of
completing research with B20 that may allow for future B20 support.
Mercedes Benz: Mercedes-Benz USA now approves the use of B5that meets ASTM
D6751 in all Common Rail Injection Diesel "CDI-engines" - including BLUETEC engines.
Volvo: Volvo Truck Corporation does not accept more than 5% biodiesel (SME) in
diesel, ready mixed from the oil company.
Yanmar: All Yanmar diesel engines are B20 compatible.
1.5 Biodiesel from Algae
Biomass is one of the better sources of energy. Large-scale introduction of biomass
energy could contribute to sustainable development on several fronts; environmentally,
socially and economically (PESWiki, 2008). Biomass has been focused as an alternative
energy source, since it is a renewable resource and it fixes CO2 in the atmosphere through
photosynthesis (Cheah, 2007). If biomass is grown in a sustained way, its combustion has no
8
impact on the CO2 balance in the atmosphere, because the CO2 emitted by the burning of
biomass is offset by the CO2 fixed by photosynthesis.
Among biomass, algae usually have a higher photosynthetic efficiency than other
biomass (Guiry, 2008). Algae are tiny biological factories that use photosynthesis to transform
carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy efficiently which they can double their weight several
times a day (Briggs, 2004). As part of the photosynthesis process, algae produces oil and can
generate 15 times more oil per acre than other plants used for biofuels, such as corn and
switch grass (National Biodiesel Board, 2009). Algae can grow in salt water, freshwater or
even contaminated water. In fact algae are the highest yielding feedstock for biodiesel. It can
produce up to 250 times the amount of oil per acre as soybeans (Hossain et al., 2008).
Algae have emerged as one of the most promising sourc es especially for biodiesel
production, for two main reasons: (1) The yields of oil from algae are higher than those for
traditional oilseeds, and (2) Algae can grow in places away from the farmlands and forests,
thus minimising the damages caused to the food chain systems. As an advantage, algae can be
grown in sewages and next to power-plant smokestacks where they digest the pollutants and
through this it can produce oil. Such an approach can contribute to solve major problems of
air pollution resulting from CO2 evolution and future crisis due to shortage of energy sources.
The tapping of engineered algae to produce bio-diesel and bio-ethanol has the best potential of
great success because algae is very oily where it has about 50% oil composition. It is the
fastest growing organism and has become very dense enough to be harvested three times a day
(Hossain et al, 2008). Though research into algae oil as a source for biodiesel is not new, the
current oil crises and fast depleting fossil oil reserves have made it more imperative for
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organizations and countries to invest more time and efforts into research on suitable
renewable feedstock such as algae.
In fact, producing biodiesel from algae may be only way to produce enough automotive
fuel to replace current gasoline usage (Briggs, 2004). Algae produces 7 to 31 time greater oil
than palm oil. It is very simple to extract oil from algae (ENS, 2008). On top of those
advantages, algae can grow even better when it is fed with extra carbon dioxide and organic
material like sewage. If so, algae could produce biofuel while cleaning up other problems.
Scientist nowadays are trying hard to determine exactly how promising algae biofuel
production can be by tweaking the inputs of carbon dioxide and organic matter to increase
algae oil yields.
Algae, like plants are organisms that produce energy through the process of
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is carried out by many different organisms, ranging from
plants to bacteria. Energy for the process is taken from light, which is absorbed by pigments
such as chlorophylls and carotenoids. The water, sunlight and carbon dioxide are converted
into food in the form of oil. Resulting algae oil can be used to produce biodiesel through the
transesterification process (Sandhyarani, 2010). Unlike other plant stocks, algae can be grown
throughout the year and harvested continuously. Indeed, algae is the most renewable and
reliable energy sources compared to other oilseed crops.
The algae anticipated for biodiesel production is grown in water and fed carbon
dioxide waste from industrial sources such as power plants, ethanol manufacturers, refineries
and cement operations. The process can be used to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants,
and the algae also dispose of other pollutants. Being highly flexible, algae can be grown in
most climates and do not require crop growing land for production.
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