Alternative Fuels Research Articles

Improvement of Brown Coal Quality through Variation of Acacia Wood Waste Biochar Composition in Producing Alternative Solid Fuel

Improvement of Brown Coal Quality through Variation of Acacia Wood Waste Biochar Composition in Producing Alternative Solid Fuel

Transesterification reaction time impacts on oxidation stability and acid number of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil

The scarcity of fossil fuels, environmental concerns, and the sharp rise in fossil fuel prices have driven scientists to search for alternative fuels. The characteristics of biodiesel have made the quest for high-quality biodiesel production particularly appealing. The use of waste cooking oil is a key component in reducing biodiesel production costs by 60-90%. Researchers have employed various types of transesterification reactions with both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production; in this study, a 0.5% NaOH catalyst is used. The objectives of this study are to produce biodiesel fuel based on waste cooking oil, evaluate the impact of reaction time variation on the oxidation value and acid value of biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil, and statistically test the effects of reaction time on the oxidation value and acid value of biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum yield was obtained at a reaction time of 90 minutes, achieving 97%. The results for acid number and oxidation value for various reaction times complied with ASTM, EN, and SNI standards. Linear regression analysis of ANOVA for the acid number concluded that the P-value t3 is 0.399, which is greater than Alpha = 0.05, indicating that the variation in reaction time does not have a significant effect on the acid number. Linear regression analysis of ANOVA for the oxidation number concluded that the P-value t3 is less than Alpha (0.047 < 0.05), indicating that reaction time has a significant effect on the oxidation number.

Thermogravimetric Analysis of Combustion of Semi-Coke Obtained from Coniferous Wood and Mixtures on Their Basis

Coal remains one of the most used solid fuels for heat and electricity generation but burning coal releases large amounts of CO2 into the urban atmosphere in addition to harmful substances. In order to reduce the consumption of solid fossil fuels, it is necessary to search for fuels capable of replacing coal in terms of its thermal and environmental characteristics. One of the best alternative fuels is biomass, which is considered carbon neutral, but its thermal characteristics are worse than those of solid fossil fuels. In this work, an alternative to coal was studied for the first time, which was semi-coke, obtained by gasification at a temperature of 700–900 °C, the heat of combustion of which turned out to be higher than that of biomass before thermal treatment by 75%. We also studied fuel mixtures based on the resulting semi-coke. The aim of the work is to determine the main characteristics of combustion of semi-coke obtained from coniferous wood and mixtures based on them. The method of thermogravimetric analysis in oxidising medium at a heating rate of 20 °C/min was applied for the research. According to the results of this analysis, the ignition and burnout temperatures were determined, the combustion index was determined, the duration of coke residue combustion was determined, and synergetic interactions between the mixture components influencing the combustion characteristics were established. It was found that the ignition temperature of semi-coke is more than 50% higher than that of biomass and the burnout temperature is 10% higher. Adding 50% of biomass to semi-coke increases the combustion index by more than 30% and decreases the ignition temperature and burnout temperature. The mixture components synergistically interact with each other during combustion to reduce the value of maximum mass loss rate. It was found that the atomic ratios of O/C and H/C in semi-coke are lower than in biomass before gasification.

Energy Consumption, Emission, Transportation Sector in Malaysia: Review on Malaysia’s Road Transport

Transportation is a major challenge for energy conservation, with road transport in Malaysia being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Malaysia, traditional fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel dominate the transportation sector, which has become the second-largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for 20% in 2014. This increase in CO2 emissions, driven by rising vehicle ownership and economic growth, underscores the urgent need for effective emission reduction strategies. The rapid growth in road transportation in Malaysia is linked to socioeconomic factors, including rising incomes and urbanization, leading to higher energy consumption and pollution. Data indicates a significant increase in vehicle registrations from 1990 to 2018, with motorcars and motorcycles being the most common. This growth, fueled by subsidies and decentralization, has exacerbated the sector’s environmental impact. The Green Technology Master Plan Malaysia 2017–2040 aims to address these issues by setting ambitious targets to enhance renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and promote eco-friendly fuels. Key strategies include expanding public transportation, increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and introducing alternative fuels like hydrogen. Malaysia has substantial potential to reduce CO2 emissions through initiatives such as expanding EV infrastructure, promoting natural gas vehicles, and improving public transit. Effective implementation of these strategies can significantly lower the transportation sector’s carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Enhanced ROS Production and Mitochondrial Metabolic Shifts in CD4+ T Cells of an Autoimmune Uveitis Model

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a spontaneously occurring autoimmune disease and one of the leading causes of blindness in horses worldwide. Its similarities to autoimmune-mediated uveitis in humans make it a unique spontaneous animal model for this disease. Although many aspects of ERU pathogenesis have been elucidated, it remains not fully understood and requires further research. CD4+ T cells have been a particular focus of research. In a previous study, we showed metabolic alterations in CD4+ T cells from ERU cases, including an increased basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and elevated compensatory glycolysis. To further investigate the underlying reasons for and consequences of these metabolic changes, we quantified reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in CD4+ T cells from ERU cases and compared it to healthy controls, revealing significantly higher ROS production in ERU-affected horses. Additionally, we aimed to define mitochondrial fuel oxidation of glucose, glutamine, and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and identified significant differences between CD4+ T cells from ERU cases and controls. CD4+ T cells from ERU cases showed a lower dependency on mitochondrial glucose oxidation and greater metabolic flexibility for the mitochondrial oxidation of glucose and LCFAs, indicating an enhanced ability to switch to alternative fuels when necessary.

Review of the Chilean Shipping Industry: Challenges to Achieving Emissions Reductions by 2030, 2050, and Beyond by Applying Alternative Fuels

Alternative fuels are a measure discussed in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strategy in order to reduce emissions from shipping. This is deemed necessary to achieve emissions reduction in the shipping industry, but the way in which this needs to be applied to such a resilient industry overall is a current challenge. The increasing impact of ships’ emissions on the environment and current preventative regulations that have been introduced by the IMO present a paradigm in the consideration of alternative fuel measures that could possibly be applied to this industry. Existing and new ships are different assets that need to converge to reduce emissions partially or completely by 2030. Determining the technology readiness level (TRL) for producing these alternative fuels, and their availability to be applied to these assets, involves a mix of evaluation and analysis as covered in this work. The TRL of producing alternative fuels is at the commercial level, which means that the shipping industry could apply it by itself following economical evaluation, but these alternative fuels’ services and capabilities have not yet been evaluated in comparison to traditional fuels. A supply chain for alternative fuel production needs to be built to serve the shipping industry. This supply chain would need the support of governments because the inclusion of alternative fuels in the supply chain would impact the national energy matrix. This work presents a revised path for the Chilean shipping industry to follow, focusing on the consideration not only of the emission reduction measures themselves but also of the analysis of the impact of those measures on the supply chains, as well as the stringent necessary regulations issued by the IMO and the government. The methodology used in this review considers the revision of the actual advances towards emission reductions, the development of alternative fuels, and the possibilities of applying them, considering the current state of development of the Chilean shipping industry. This review shows that room for the development of the Chilean shipping industry exists if it wants to move towards using alternative fuels with support from the government.

Unveiling the low‐temperature oxidation chemistry of dipropyl carbonate

AbstractDialkyl carbonates (DACs) own an environmentally friendly synthesis route, making them potential candidates as alternative fuels. However, for DACs to be widely accepted as an alternative fuel, a comprehensive understanding of their combustion behavior is essential. Dipropyl carbonate (DPrC) represents a transition from short‐chain to mid‐chain carbonates, understanding its combustion behaviors holds significance in unraveling the combustion chemistry of carbonates. In this study, the oxidation of DPrC was investigated with the initial fuel mole fraction of 0.5% at three equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 within a temperature range of 550–1100 K in a jet‐stirred reactor for the first time. Gas chromatography was utilized for the quantitative detection of reactants, intermediates, and products. A detailed DPrC mechanism was first developed, and good agreements between measurements and simulations were obtained. A notable negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behavior was first observed in the oxidation of DACs. Such NTC phenomenon occurred at fuel‐lean conditions in the temperature range of 620–660 K, while only a weak low‐temperature consumption was observed at the stoichiometric condition. Kinetic modeling studies showed that this unique low‐temperature chemistry of DPrC can be attributed to the differences in the RO2 isomerization reactions between DPrC and short‐chain DACs. The RO2 isomerization via a six‐member ring transition state could happen in DPrC oxidation but not in dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate oxidation, due to the different fuel molecular structure. Therefore, the subsequent reaction pathways via QOOH → O2QOOH → HO2Q = O + OH → OQ = O + OH were promoted and two OH radicals were released in this process. Moreover, it is conceivable that mid or long‐chain DACs could also exhibit an NTC phenomenon due to the increased potential for RO2 isomerization via a six‐ or seven‐member ring transition state, thereby increasing the likelihood of RO2 isomerization occurrence.

A Study of Heat Recovery and Hydrogen Generation Systems for Methanol Engines

Biofuels are the most essential types of alternative fuels, which currently have significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. Methanol is a more efficient fuel than petrol due to its physicochemical properties, such as a higher latent heat of vaporization, research octane number, and heat of combustion of the fuel–air mixture. Also, biomethanol is cheaper than traditional petrol and diesel fuel for agricultural countries. The authors have proposed a new approach to improve the characteristics and efficiency of methanol diesel engines by using biomethanol mixed with hydrogen instead of pure biomethanol. Using a hydrogen–biomethanol mixture in modern engines is an effective method because hydrogen is a carbon-free, low-ignition, highest-flame-rate, high-octane fuel. A small quantity of hydrogen added to biomethanol and its combustion in an engine with a heat exchanger increases the combustion temperature and heat release, increases engine power, and reduces fuel consumption. This article presents experimental results of methanol combustion and a hydrogen-in-methanol mixture if hydrogen was retained due to the utilization of the heat of the exhaust gases. The tests were carried on a single-cylinder experimental engine with an injection of liquid methanol and gaseous hydrogen mixtures. The experiments showed that green hydrogen generated onboard the car due to the utilization of heat significantly reduced fuel costs of engines of vehicles and technological installations. It was established a hydrogen gaseous mixture addition of up to 5% by mass to methanol requires a corresponding change in the coefficient of excess air to λ = 1.25. Also, using an additional hydrogen mixture requires adjustment at the ignition moment in the direction of its decrease by 4–5 degrees of the engine crankshaft. Hydrogen gas mixture addition reduced methanol consumption, reaching a maximum reduction of 24%. The maximum increase in power was 30.5% based on experimental data. The reduction in the specified fuel consumption, obtained after experimental tests of the methanol research engine on the stand, can be implemented on the vehicle engines and technological installations equipped with an onboard heat recovery system. Such a system, due to the utilization of heat and the supply of additional hydrogen, can be implemented for engines that work on any alternative or traditional fuels.

Measurement report: In-flight and ground-based measurements of nitrogen oxide emissions from latest-generation jet engines and 100 % sustainable aviation fuel

Abstract. Nitrogen oxides, emitted from air traffic, are of concern due to their impact on climate by changing atmospheric ozone and methane levels. Using the DLR research aircraft Falcon, total reactive nitrogen (NOy) in-flight measurements were carried out at high altitudes to characterize emissions in the fresh aircraft exhaust from the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engine aboard the long-range Airbus A350-941 aircraft during the ECLIF3 (Emission and CLimate Impact of alternative Fuels 3) experiment. The impact of different engine thrust settings, monitored in terms of combustor inlet temperature, pressure and engine fuel flow, was tested for two different fuel types: Jet A-1 and, for the first time, a 100 % sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) under similar atmospheric conditions. In addition, a range of combustor temperatures and an additional blended SAF were tested during ground-based emission measurements. For the data measured during ECLIF3, we confirm that the NOx emission index increases with increasing combustion temperature, pressure and fuel flow. We find that as expected, the fuel type has no measurable effect on the NOx emission index. These measurements are used to compare to cruise NOx emission index estimates from three engine emission prediction methods. Our measurements thus help to understand the ground to cruise correlation of current engine emission prediction methods while serving as input for climate modelling and extending the extremely sparse data set on in-flight aircraft nitrogen oxide emissions to newer engine generations.

Enhancing the selective catalytic oxidation of lignocellulosic biomass to formic acid using hydrogen peroxide and a reusable MgAl hydrotalcite-derived as a catalyst in a green solvent

Biofuels or liquid fuels derived from natural matter, are one of the most intriguing yet divisive alternatives for petroleum-based fuels. The most common approach to produce biofuels is to transform plant sugars and other carbohydrates into oxygen-deficient chemicals. A growing relevance has been devoted in the direct synthesis of platform molecules from biomass resources, using one-pot or cascade techniques via adequate catalytic system tuning and improvement of the reaction conditions which have merged as a beneficial strategy from an economic and ecological standpoint. In a similar vein, the major objective of this contribution was to investigate and enhance the conditions for a selective oxidation of lignocellulosic biomass-derived cellulose to yield formic acid (FA), the latter is one of the most coveted liquid hydrogen carriers and among the key compounds used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and leather industries. Both oxidizing aqueous hydrogen peroxide and calcined heterogeneous hydrotalcite catalyst have been employed at an atmospheric pressure for this purpose. The effect of reaction time, temperature, amount of catalyst and oxidant on the product's yield and selectivity have been investigated. The oxidation of a plant-derived cellulosic fiber at 70 °C using an H2O2 excess (7 mmol) provided an impressive result with a high yield and TON of 61.0 %, 12.30 respectively, the latter was confirmed to be relatively close to the one from the oxidation of pure cellulose. Furthermore, the reusability of the catalyst has also been studied which was demonstrated to result in the same yields for one reuse and 3 recycles.

FORMATION OF A SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF LOGISTICS ACTIVITIES OF MOTOR TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES ENGAGED IN FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The article discusses the importance of implementing innovations at road transport enterprises in the context of achieving the region's sustainable development goals. The author emphasizes that road transport enterprises are significant sources of harmful emissions and environmental pollution, so using innovative technologies, such as electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and alternative fuels, is an important tool for reducing the negative environmental impact. In particular, these technologies help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful substances, which is in line with Sustainable Development Goals 7 (access to modern energy), 13 (combating climate change), and 15 (protecting terrestrial ecosystems). In addition, innovations in transport technologies, such as automated driving systems, help to improve road safety and reduce the number of road accidents, which is in line with Goal 3 (good health and well-being). The creation of new jobs and infrastructure development through the construction of electric charging stations and the introduction of intelligent transport systems (smart cities) are also linked to Sustainable Development Goals 9 (sustainable infrastructure) and 11 (sustainable urban development). The author analyses the performance indicators of innovations at motor transport enterprises, taking into account economic, social, and environmental aspects. Particular emphasis is placed on the adaptation of these indicators to the current realities of Ukraine. Using game theory, the article develops a model for the selection of optimal strategies for motor transport enterprises and the region. This model allows us to find the Nash equilibrium - a situation where both parties achieve the optimal result. Enterprises that implement innovations not only improve their own performance indicators, but also contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals of the region. The article also presents two sets of strategies: for the development of logistics activities of a motor transport enterprise and the sustainable development of the region. Both approaches aim to comprehensively improve the region's environmental, economic, and social situation. The conclusions emphasize the importance of implementing innovation development assessment systems as a tool for making strategic decisions and improving the efficiency of logistics operations.

Exploring multimetal interactions between FeNi3 alloy and Lu3Ga5O12 metal oxide for improved water splitting performance

The production of energy from fossil fuels generates greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and various environmental impacts. Extensive research into sustainable alternative fuels has identified hydrogen (H2) as a viable option. With net zero carbon emissions, hydrogen presents a promising solution for sustainable and renewable energy. This study employs a simple gel-matrix method to fabricate Ni-Fe alloy-based nanocomposites in alkaline media (1 M KOH). Achieving outstanding performance in hydrogen generation through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with impressive turn-over frequencies (TOF) of 2.98 s−1 at 177 mV and 1.48 s−1 at 219 mV. Nanocomposite’s unique structure enhances electroactive surface area (347.5 cm2/gram), extending electrocatalytic active sites and durability to 60 h. It shows excellent performance, characterized by low Tafel slopes of 50 mV/dec and 37 mV/dec, and minimal overpotentials of 219 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and 177 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), reaching a current density of 10 mA cm−2. This study presents a method for synthesizing high-performance, sustainable metal-alloy/garnet hybrid electrocatalysts, offering a new frontier in design of next-generation materials for advanced energy conversion technologies.

Performance Characteristics of a Compression Ignition (CI) Engine Using an Environmentally Friendly Waste Plastic Fuel

Due to growing demands and depleting reserves of petroleum-based fuel, there is a necessity to find an alternative fuel for IC engines. Also, environmental concerns and globally faced problems like lots of garbage generated through plastics is a major issue in India. There is a significant disparity between plastic production and waste plastic generation. Therefore, the need for alternative fuels derived from municipal plastic waste has emerged to enhance the performance of IC engines, decrease emissions, and address other environmental concerns in line with the “Swachh Bharat Mission of India”. In this study, the alternative fuel was produced from a municipal mix of plastic waste by pyrolysis process. The experiments were carried out with a constant speed of 1500 rpm at different load conditions and fueled with standard diesel, waste plastic fuel and other blends to investigate IC engine performance and combustion and emissions in terms of brake thermal efficiency, brake power, brake specific fuel consumption, cylinder pressure, net heat release, mean gas temperature, rate of pressure rise, andbrake specific CO2, NOx, CO and HC emissions parameters were investigated and it is compared with standard diesel. The overall result shows that WPO20D80 and WPO30D70 exhibit the peak performance (torque, BP, BTE and BSFC) and lowest emissions (HC, CO, NOx) at all load conditions. Moreover, according to all the performance results, the lowest BSFC with maximum brake thermal efficiency and variations was 24.01% and 0.346 Kg/kWh for the WPO30D70 blend at part load condition. The minimum brake-specific NOx produced by the diesel blend at peak load conditions (WPO20D80) is 138.66 ppm, which is higher than other blends. This phenomenon may be attributed to an elevated proportion of pre-combustion and an extended ignition duration, resulting in a high cylinder temperature and an enhanced rate of heat release. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the environmental implications associated with different fuel blends and load conditions. Notably, the blends ranging from 10% to 50% showed good tendencies to be utilized with diesel engines and consistently exhibit favourable brakespecific emission profiles, suggesting its potential as an environmentally friendly alternative fuel.

Design of Hydrogen Combustion Engine (Conceptual Brainstorming)

Hydrogen combustion engines present a promising pathway for cleaner transportation, leveraging existing internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies. The design of hydrogen-fueled ICEs requires significant modifications to conventional gasoline or diesel engines due to hydrogen’s distinct combustion properties. This research outlines the key design considerations for hydrogen combustion engines, including fuel storage and injection, combustion chamber modifications, ignition control, and exhaust treatment. The study also discusses recent advancements in engine efficiency, NOx reduction, and dual-fuel systems, along with the challenges of implementing hydrogen-based ICEs in commercial applications. Keywords: hydrogen, combustion, design, ICE, alternative fuels

Investigation of Ammonia/Hydrogen Mixtures and Pilot-Split Strategies in a Laboratory-Scale Radial Swirl Combustor

Abstract The transition to a decarbonized energy future relies on identifying the most suitable alternative fuels that can meet the needs of various energy sectors. While both ammonia and hydrogen are zero-carbon energy vectors, their physical properties and burning characteristics sit on either side of that of natural gas. Hence, mixtures of ammonia and hydrogen are being increasingly looked at as having the potential to fuel current energy systems without requiring significant combustor redesign. However, the combustion characteristics and operation limits for different ammonia/hydrogen mixtures still need to be evaluated. For gas turbine applications in particular, the effect of ammonia/hydrogen mixture composition and operating condition on flame behavior and stability is not well understood. The current work was carried out in a laboratory scale, radial swirl-stabilized turbulent combustor. A systematic study of two ammonia/hydrogen blend ratios (70:30 and 80:20 by volume) and a range of equivalence ratios were tested for different pilot-split ratios, to understand the effect on flame shape, stability and dynamics. Time-resolved pressure and integrated heat release fluctuations were measured to evaluate combustor dynamics, and NH2* chemiluminescence flame images were captured to understand spatial differences in flame structure. When comparing blend ratios, differences were observed in flame macrostructures and combustor dynamics, which could be largely attributed to the considerable difference in the laminar flame speeds of the blends. The addition of pilot generally improved the stability and lean operation for both blend ratios.

Changes in Fuel Prices and the Use of Public Transport: Insights from the European Union following the Invasion of Ukraine

Rising fuel prices are known to affect public transport (PT) demand. However, the impact of the oil market inflation and subsequent energy crisis following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine on mobility behaviour in Europe has received little attention. This study examines shifts in fuel prices and PT mobility across 25 Europe-an Union countries between February and May 2022. Weekly variations in PT mobility were correlated with diesel and gasoline prices, and a multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the influence of contextual factors in explaining variations in PT usage. The results indicate a significant increase in PT mobility across all countries after February 2022, which was positively associated with rising fuel prices. Approximately 84% of the variance in mobility was explained, with more pronounced increases observed in countries characterised by lower telecommuting prevalence, higher housing costs relative to household income, greater price differentials between gasoline and diesel, lower adoption of alternative fuels, and higher motorisation rates. These findings suggest that the surge in fuel prices, driven by the 2022 energy crisis, may have stimulated an increase in transit ridership.

Assessing combustion characteristics of alternative fuels in a CI engine by use of a wavelet-based analysis of engine vibration signals

In the current work, a wavelet-based approach for assessing combustion performance of alternative fuels in compression-ignition engines, indicated that changes in cylinder pressure amplitude were reflected by commensurate changes in a proposed parameter, with a maximum of a 9% variation. The proposed parameter, the wavelet transform coefficient maximum amplitude (WMA), successfully accomplished this for various engine conditions. The wavelet transform coefficient standard deviation (WSD), a second proposed parameter, was able to track changes in the rates of pressure rise associated with changes in load conditions and fuel type, with a maximum variation in the parameter of 7%. The approach was assessed by testing six fuels in a test engine unit. Thermodynamic property data and vibration signal data were recorded for each of the fuels tested, at six loading conditions. Subsequently, combustion performance was evaluated using traditional thermodynamic parameters and using the WMA and WSD via a MATLAB based algorithm. Thus, it was surmised that the proposed approach can form the basis for a vibration-based assessment of alternative fuel combustion performance in reciprocating engines.

Assessment of Waste Animal Fats (WAFS) Biodiesel Production Potential as an Alternative Fuel for Zambia: A Case Study of Southern Province

The volatility in global fuel prices and the desire to reduce energy dependency on fossil fuels has necessitated the speeding up of alternative energy supply sources. Coupled to this is the global urgent need to reduce the accumulation of CO2 and green house gas (GHG) emissions as a result of fossil fuels production and use. Further, the mandate by united nations to move towards sustainably produced energy for the transportation, and power generation demands that we seek energy solutions that meet reduced negative impact on the environment. It is in this regard that this study seeks alternatives in waste animal fats (WAFs) biodiesel as an option that could meet the ever increasing demand for fossil fuel in the transport sector and power generation. For the transport sector and power generation , the biodiesel maybe blended with the fossil diesel in the approved ratios as stipulated by the Energy Regulation Board and the Zambia Bureau of Standards to help mitigate the net GHG and CO2 emissions. The biodiesel production in this study was based on the modified two-step process. These two steps involved passing the feedstock through esterification using sulphuric acid as catalyst and there after base catalysed using sodium hydroxide in a process referred to as transesterification. The resulting products in the esterification process are the esters and water whilst in the transesterification are the biodiesel and glycerol. The feedstock used are those of waste animal fats (WAFs) of cattle, pig and chicken that has been discarded from meat processing and animal slaughter houses. The feedstocks have been carefully selected based on the animals raised in the country with a bigger slaughtered population as well as reared. The population of animals reared and slaughtered annually are obtained from the Zambia Ministry of Agriculture animal population census records. Based on these records, the preferred feedstock sources where obtained. The study further 1. explored the economic potential of the biodiesel production for the Zambian government and beyond. 2. compared some of the characteristics of WAF biodiesel to that of imported fossil diesel 3. affirmed that WAF biodiesel has a very good impact in reducing environmental pollution as WAF dumping to land fills and the cost of disposal is reduced. Also,WAF biodiesel is bio-degradable. Thus, moving closer to an effective sustainable development as required by the united nations sustainability goals if full scale production is implemented in Zambia.

Experimentally Investigating the Potential of Iso-Stoichiometric GEM Blends as a Drop-in Replacement for E50 in SI Engines

Background: Research on alternative fuels for internal combustion engines is crucial due to climate change and energy security concerns. Ethanol-blended gasoline has been a popular alternative fuel, but biomass limitations restrict its widespread use. Methanol offers a solution as it can be produced from non-food sources, extending ethanol's availability. Objective: This study explores a ternary fuel blend consisting of gasoline, ethanol, and methanol as an alternative to binary gasoline-ethanol blend. The objective is to investigate if the isostoichiometric ternary blend offers equivalent fuel properties to E50 (Ethanol 50%, Gasoline 50% (v/v)) gasohol while potentially enhancing engine performance, reducing emissions, and improving combustion characteristics. Methods: A single-cylinder, four-stroke, port fuel injection spark ignition engine was used. The engine was tested with three fuels: pure gasoline, E50 blend, and an equivalent iso-stoichiometric GEM blends. Engine tests were conducted at constant load with varying engine speeds. Performance, emission, and combustion parameters were experimentally measured and compared across all fuels. Results: E50 and its equivalent blends improved brake thermal efficiency but increased brake specific fuel consumption compared to gasoline. It significantly reduced unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions but slightly increased nitrogen oxide emissions. Conclusion: Formulated E50 equivalent blends have identical air to fuel ratio, lower heating values as conventional binary E50 gasoline-ethanol blends. The study suggests that iso-stoichiometric GEM blends have the potential to be a viable alternative drop-in fuel for E50 in internal combustion engines. The future advancements in GEM blends, particularly in optimizing ratios, could lead to patentable inventions.

Efficiency Assessment of the Production of Alternative Fuels of High Usable Quality within the Circular Economy: An Example from the Cement Sector

This article aims to present the mechanisms regulating the waste management system of one of the European countries that affect the cement industry. This publication analyses the possibility of using selected fractions of municipal and industrial waste as alternative fuels, including an analysis of ecological costs and benefits. The methodology includes the analysis of production data and the calculation of savings resulting from the use of alternative fuels. On this basis, ecological aspects were also indicated that should be taken into account when analyzing the profitability of the investment. Production data from an example Polish cement plant were used to analyze the research problem. Based on the guidelines of environmental standards and technical specifications, the parameters that PASr alternative fuels should meet were calculated in the company laboratory. This fuel type was then calculated in terms of emission intensity and production efficiency. The research results obtained in this paper study emphasize that the change in cement clinker production technology toward the use of waste raw materials and secondary fuels does not lead to an increase in heavy metal emissions to the extent that would justify qualifying cement as a material requiring systematic control of its harmful impacts on humans and the natural environment. The conclusions show that the use of alternative fuels reduces CO2 emissions and production costs, without negatively affecting the efficiency and production volume. The average energy requirement for the production of 1 ton of cement is approximately 3.3 GJ, which corresponds to 120 kg of coal with a calorific value of 27.5 MJ per kg. Energy costs account for 30–40% of the total cement production costs. Replacing alternative fuels with fossil fuels will help reduce energy costs, providing a competitive advantage for cement plants that use it as an energy source. The presented considerations can provide an answer to all interested parties, including representatives of the executive and legislative authorities, on what path the sector should follow to fit into the idea of sustainable building materials and the circular economy.