Diesel engines to run on vegetable oil byproducts
The emissions from
conventional fuels such as diesel and gas are largely responsible for
atmospheric pollution and have resulted in major environmental problems
including climate change, decrease of the ozone layer and acid rain. Apart of
their impact on global ecology, these emissions are very harmful to human
health and are considered as cancer including agents. The production of environmentally
friendly fuels is, therefore, a top priority for the European industry.
The current project has
integrated and upgraded the process of biodiesel production, using vegetable
oils from seeds such as sunflower, coconut and soya. The chemical process
includes the trans-esterification of vegetable oils with low molecular weight
alcohols in the presence of a catalyst. Waste cooking oils, or nonfood
vegetable oils, can also be used raw material in the production of biodiesel.
Biodiesel has many advantages
as a fuel for engines and heaters. It has a lower environmental impact than
common diesel, as it produces practically no sulfur oxides and approximately
80% less carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, it is only alternative fuel that
can be used directly in any existent, unmodified diesel engine. It is simple to
use, highly biodegradable and performs well under a variety of operating
conditions. The shift to this new source of energy will also benefit
agriculture and may lessen Europe’s dependence
on crude oil imports, as well as providing a wide range of new employment
opportunities.