Abstract

AbstractA batch microwave‐assisted biodiesel (MWBD) conversion system was scaled up to using two magnetrons, giving a total of 2000 W microwave (MW) power, with the magnetrons placed asymmetrically on opposite sides of the MW cavity. This system was used to produce methyl ester from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). The response surface method with a Box–Behnken experimental design was applied to find the optimal point giving the maximum percentage free fatty acid (FFA) conversion at the minimum cost (USD). At this point the molar ratio PFAD:MeOH was 1:9; the temperature was 80 °C; and time was 20 min. Regression models predicted the %FFA conversion and the cost (USD) with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9519 and 0.8654, respectively. Simulations were conducted with the finite element method, and the temperature profiles from the simulations fitted the experimental data well. Finally, the fuel properties of the MWBD were analyzed and compared with Thai agricultural engine diesel and high‐speed diesel standards, and the standards were met. The MWBD, the liquid fuel blend (LFB with MWBD:CHSD 50:50 by volume), and a commercial high‐speed diesel (CHSD) were tested in a diesel engine over the 1.28–5.09 kW power range at a fixed 2200 rpm speed. All the fuels performed similarly and without any problems in the test runs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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