A feasibility study on the production of methyl ester from second and third generation feed stocks

Abstract

• Castor & Microalgae oil methyl esters blends used in a conventional diesel engine without any modification. • Methyl ester from COME will be environmentally and economically more feasible. • With this blend percentage engine develops better power. • High power output. • Reduces friction loss and better combustion. This paper includes comparison between Fatty acid profiles of Castor & Microalgae oilmethyl esters (COME & MAME), comparison of qualitative and elemental analysis, A feasibility study on performance, emission and cost analysis was also conducted. Thus from the above result, it may be concluded that COME still remains the best petroleum diesel alternative based on its yield, elemental content and lowerhydrogenation requirement. Microalgae based methyl ester production is getting more interest but the genetic modification of the strains only can improve the yield to surpass the 2nd generation feedstock based FAME production and this also helps in reduction of PUFA content. The lower brake thermal efficiency observed for blended COME (B10, B20) & MAME (B10, B20) as compared to diesel fuel, this may be due to fuel flow problems which are owing to higher viscosity and density. In view of comparable engine performance and reduction in most of the engine emissions, it can be concluded and methyl ester derived from COME & MAME blends could be used in a conventional diesel engine without any modification. Even though both oils are costlier than diesel, the cost become of less importance as the emission from the methyl ester reduces which supports the human health as well as the environment. It was concluded that the production of methyl ester from COME will be technically, environmentally and economically more feasible compared to MAME.