Parameter optimization for enhanced biodiesel yield from Linum usitatissimum oil through solar energy assistance

Abstract

Biodiesel is a biofuel produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. The study describes the solar-assisted biodiesel production from linseed oil and the parameter optimization using Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal approach and response surface methodology (RSM). A solar paraboloid dish of collector area 6.1 m2 and concentration ratio approx. 200 is used for the transesterification process. Yearly and daily solar radiation data shows that May–June has more extended solar radiation availability during the daytime and are favorable months for experimentation. Results show that Taguchi’s approach gives a maximum biodiesel yield of 89.14%, while the RSM model offers a slightly higher 91.9% yield. However, the RSM analysis predicted 91.1% (maximum biodiesel yield) at molar ratio (MR) 8.92:1, reaction time (RT) 108.97 min, and catalyst concentration (CC) 0.61 wt%, respectively. ANOVA analysis found that the MR has the highest percentage contribution of 75.67%, followed by CC (15.9%) and RT (5.69%). Biodiesel composition is determined using gas chromatography and FTIR analysis, and the various other fuel properties are measured as per ASTM testing methods. The study successfully confirms the use of solar heating for the transesterification process.