Finding the Optimal Fatty Acid Composition for Biodiesel Improving the Emissions of a One-Cylinder Diesel Generator

Fátima Calderay Cayetano,Silvia Lenaerts,Rafael R Maes,Rowan Van Schaeren,Geert Potters,Erik Fransen

doi:10.3390/su132112089

Fátima Calderay Cayetano, Silvia Lenaerts + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112089

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Abstract

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) currently are the main pollutants emitted by diesel engines. While there is a start in using hybrid and electric cars, ships will still be fueled by mineral oil products. In the quest to achieve zero-pollution and carbon-free shipping, alternative forms of energy carriers must be found to replace the commonly used mineral oil products. One of the possible alternative fuels is biodiesel. This paper explores the optimization of the composition of biodiesel in order to reduce the concentration of particulate matter and NOx in exhaust gases of a one-cylinder diesel generator.

Highlights

Considering the current use of natural oil reserves, a huge number of these reserves are used for transport
The same type of biodiesel was used for all the measurements, and only specific fatty acid methyl ester concentrations were changed to compare the emissions in order to optimize the fatty acid composition
It can be concluded that there exists an optimal fatty acid composition of a biodiesel in order to have the lowest possible Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the emission

Summary

Introduction

Considering the current use of natural oil reserves, a huge number of these reserves are used for transport. As our natural resources of oil and gas are limited, we need to look for other means to produce energy. The way our energy resources are used is unsustainable in view of pollution. Alternative energy sources are needed to prevent too much pollution but are a “must” to a sustainable future. The energy consumption of road transport is nowadays focused on electrification. Marine and air transport show such high energy consumption that electrification will not take place in the near future. Biodiesel could provide a solution for the large demand for fuel consumption. There is still a huge amount of mineral fuel used in these transport modes.

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