Solar Energy Assisted Prototype Biodiesel Plant To Convert Triglyceride Into Fatty Acid Methyl Ester

Abstract

Biodiesel is a nonconventional energy resource produced form non edible oil seeds. Transesterification process is the most commonly adopted technique to convert the non edible oil into biodiesel. During the production of biodiesel by transesterification process, electricity is being used to heat oil and for drying the biodiesel. About 20 kWh of electricity is used to produce 50 liters of biodiesel. Further, it is observed that before transesterification reaction the oil is heated at moderate temperature of 600 C. Hence, it is thought of using solar energy to meet this energy requirement as it is best suitable to meet low temperature energy demand. This paper contains the details of the work carried out in designing solar energy assisted biodiesel production unit. The performance study of the system indicates that, solar energy can be successfully used to produce good quality biodiesel saving large amount of conventional energy requirement. It is also observed that, such a system is particularly beneficial to rural India, where there is plenty of non edible oil seeds supply but the quality electrical supply is not assured.