Development Of Alternative Fuels Research Articles

A perspective on bioethanol production from biomass as alternative fuel for spark ignition engine

The increasing fuel consumption of fossil fuels has led to the development of alternative fuels for the future.

Study of two impinging flow microsystems arranged in series. Application to emulsified biofuel production

Development of alternative fuels and improvement of their combustion is a necessity in a general context of scarcity of fossil energy resources and of environmental pollution. In particular, the use of water dispersed in biofuels is known to improve combustion quality of diesel engine and to reduce pollution in gas emissions. This work aims at contributing in the development of a compact continuous emulsifier that could be used to feed energy systems. In order to fulfil requests such as convenient size of water droplets, absence of surfactant and needed flow rates of biofuel, the association of two micro-systems in series is investigated and compared to the use of a single one. The comparison of the emulsions obtained by the different systems is made in terms of mean size and size distribution of the water droplets in the dispersion, and process energy consumption. In the absence of surfactant, depending on applied flow-rates and water fraction, the use of two micro-systems in series allows to reduce the mean size of droplets by a factor 2 to about 3. Flow phenomena which lead to water phase fragmentation are described thanks to high-speed visualization of the flows in the micro-channels.

Genetic Algorithm optimised Chemical Reactors network: A novel technique for alternative fuels emission prediction

Sustainability of the conventional jet fuels and climate change has attracted the aviation sector to diversity to alternative fuels. However, fuel diversification requires an assessment of the long term impact to engine performance and engine emissions through the combustion process, as alternative fuels are not as well understood as conventional jet fuel. A detailed experimental study on alternative fuels emissions across the entire aircraft fleet is impractical. Therefore a plausible method of computer modelling combined Genetic Algorithm and Chemical Reactors network was developed to predict alternative fuels gaseous emissions, namely, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Unburned Hydrocarbons in aircraft engines. To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of the technique, exhaust emission measurements were performed on a re-commissioned Artouste Mk113 Auxiliary Power Unit, located at the University of Sheffield׳s Low Carbon Combustion Centre. The simulation produced results with good agreements with the experimental data. The optimised model was used to extrapolate emissions data from different blends of alternative fuels that did not operate during the campaign. The proposed technique showed that it can develop a data base of alternative fuels emissions and also act as a guideline for alternative fuels development.

Evaluation of Non-volatile Particulate Matter Emission Characteristics of an Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit with Varying Alternative Jet Fuel Blend Ratios

The aviation industry is increasingly focused on the development of sustainable alternative fuels to augment and diversify fuel supplies while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. The impact of airport operations on local air quality and aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions on a life cycle basis have been shown to be reduced with the use of alternative fuels. However, the evaluation of incremental variations in fuel composition of a single alternative fuel on the production of non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) emissions has not been explored. This is critical to understanding the emission profile for aircraft engines burning alternative fuels and the impact of emissions on local air quality and climate change. A systematic evaluation of nvPM emissions from a GTCP85 aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) burning 16 different blends of used cooking oil (UCO)-derived hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA)-type alternative fuel with a conventional Jet A-1 baseline fuel was performed....

Structure and growth of research on biohydrogen generation using wastewater

Energy crisis and decreasing fossil fuel resources have necessitated development of alternative and renewable fuels and the research and development in this area is to play an important role in the coming days. Extensive research is carried on generation of bioenergy from renewable sources across the globe. In that domain, there has been a significant research on generating biohydrogen from wastewater. If the structure and growth of research in this promising R&D area is known, it is useful for researchers and policy makers in their future endeavors. The aim of this paper is to carry out a study on the ongoing research on the generation of biohydrogen from wastewater, by analyzing research publications and patents in the area till-date, to grasp the broader global contours of scientific and technological research going on.

Development of Transesterification System with Acid and Base Homogeneous Catalysts For Mangifera Indica Seed Oil to Mangifera Indica Methyl Ester (MOME Biodiesel)

The depletion of resources, increased cost of fossil fuel and increased environmental awareness reaching the critical condition. Development of viable alternative fuels from renewable resources is gaining the international attention and acceptance. The vegetable oils have the potential of alternative fuel for compression ignition engines by converting it into biodiesel. The mangifera indica oil is a nonedible vegetable oil, available in large quantities in mangifera indica cultivating countries including India. Very little research has been done on utilization of oil in general and optimization of transesterification process for biodiesel production. However, direct base catalyzed transesterification produced no biodiesel due to the high Free Fatty Acid ( FFA) value of the oil. Hence, acid pretreatment was preferred prior to base transesterification which afforded a significant reduction of the FFA value from 3.3% to 0.9% . Various input parameters like oil-to-methanol molar ratio (1:08, 1:12 and 1:16), catalyst type (NaOH, KOH and NaOCH3), catalyst concentration (0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt %) and reaction temperature (59, 64 and 69°C) were studied. The optimum conditions for transesterification process are: 1:12 oil-to-methanol molar ratio, 1.0 wt.% catalyst concentration, KOH catalyst, & 64°C reaction temperature. The optimum yield of MOME was 89.8%. The biodiesel produced (MOME) is within the limits prescribed by EN-14214 standard.

Combustion characteristics of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil in a partial premixed charge compression ignition engine

Indeed, the development of alternate fuels for use in internal combustion engines has traditionally been an evolutionary process in which fuel-related problems are met and critical fuel properties are identified and their specific limits defined to resolve the problem. In this regard, this research outlines a vision of lemongrass oil combustion characteristics. In a nut-shell, the combustion phenomena of lemongrass oil were investigated at engine speed of 1500rpm and compression ratio of 17.5 in a 4-stroke cycle compression ignition engine. Furthermore, the engine tests were conducted with partial premixed charge compression ignition-direct injection (PCCI-DI) dual fuel system to profoundly address the combustion phenomena. Analysis of cylinder pressure data and heat-release analysis of neat and premixed lemongrass oil were demonstrated in-detail and compared with conventional diesel. The experimental outcomes disclosed that successful ignition and energy release trends can be obtained from a compression ignition engine fueled with lemongrass oil.

Assessing the socio-economic impacts of rural road improvements in Ghana: A case study of Transport Sector Program Support (II)

Roads are the predominant mode of transport in African countries, and represent a critical element for economic development. In Ghana, this reliance has led to major investments in road construction, including an initiative—the Ghana Transport Sector Program Support—that focuses on revitalizing rural economies and reducing poverty by prioritizing the improvement and maintenance of rural feeder road systems. This research employs a case study approach to assess the socio-economic impacts of rural road improvements in the three northern regions of Ghana. The study measured ex ante/ex post changes in household income and expenditures, crop production, the usage of motorized vehicles, access to markets, school and health facilities, and transport charges. The analysis revealed that road improvements led to dramatic growth in these indicators along each subject road corridor during the initial phase of the program. However, indicators grew to a minor degree or declined during the second phase. The analysis attributes this change to soaring fuel prices impacting freight and passenger charges. These findings suggest that Ghana should better coordinate road maintenance programs with the development of alternative fuels. This strategy would include utilization of natural gas reserves of the Jubilee oil field with a program that would develop natural gas fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The use of alternative fuel vehicles in concert with rural road improvements could improve access and make transport less vulnerable to petroleum market fluctuations.

OPTIMIZATION OF PERFORMANCE AND EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF DUAL FLOW DIESEL ENGINE BY TAGUCHI METHOD

Depleting sources of fossil fuels coupled with after effects of exhaust gases on environment i.e. global warming and climate change has necessitated the need for development and use of alternate biodegradable fuels. In this present study optimization of performance and emission characteristics has been carried out using dual flow of CNG and Diesel with varying EGR under varying load by Taguchi method. Optimum values of output response parameters have been calculated with the help of regression equation and influence of various factors on output response has carried out with the help of analysis of variance.

Microalgae as Future Fuel: Real Opportunities and Challenges

Depleting reserves and souring prices of petroleum and oil have daunting effect on the economy of many developed and developing nations and forced researchers, government and federal agencies to opt for development of alternate fuels. In recent years, there is renewed interest in the field of algal biofuel production owing to its ability to grow in non-agriculturalable waste land and municipal wastewater/agricultural runoff water. Previous decade was attributed in developing new open culture/ reactor design for enhanced microalgal biomass production, efficient harvesting and pretreatment systems for commercial algal biofuel production. The true potential of algal biofuel spurs debate between algae experts and external observer over economics and environmental sustainability. Currently, no commercial algal energy generation system, which can surpass crop based energy content, is available. In present review, efficient culturing, operational strategies, reactor design and technological advancement in processing of algal fuel have been reviewed in graphical abstract

Production of Biodiesel Using a Vegetable Oil from Swida wilsoniana Fruits

Energy demand is increasing dramatically due to the fast industrial development, rising population, expanding urbanization, and economic growth in the world and large amount of fossil fuels are widely used. The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the environmental pollution caused by burning of fossil fuels stimulate development of alternative fuels. Biodiesel today is the most popular and promising biofuel and vegetable oils are one of the potential feedstocks for biodiesel production. In order to explore the wild oil plant sources in China, the fruit oil of Swida wilsoniana, a wild woody oil plant widely distributed in the mountainous regions of calcareous sandstone, was used to produce the biodiesel by transesterification method. The reaction parameters were optimized by an orthogonal experimental design. The results showed that Swida wilsoniana fruit oil (SWO) could be conversed to biodiesel at a wide range of reaction conditions. The optimum conditions for the reaction process were determined as: methanol/oil mole ratio 5:1, catalyst dosage 1.1%, reaction temperature 60 °C, and reaction time 120 min. The characteristics of Swida wilsoniana biodiesel (SDBD) were analyzed, which was similar to that of 0# diesel. Moreover, SDBD has the advantages of higher flash point (>105) and lower ash content (<0.003). Therefore, SDBD is a safe and clean biodiesel and a promising alternative biofuel.

A Second Helping of Energy Technology

A Second Helping of <i>Energy Technology</i>

Effect of the radiation heat loss on propagation of the spherical flame through premixed coal dust

An analytical study has been conducted to investigate the effect of radiation heat loss on the spherical flame propagation in coal-dust clouds. This research can be valuable in the development of alternative fuels; and it can be used by the fire safety and control industry. The model includes the evaporation of the volatile matter of dust particles into a known gaseous fuel (methane) and the single-stage reaction of the gas-phase combustion. The radiation heat losses occur between the reaction zone and the surrounding environment (air). The study is within the framework of large activation energy and quasi-steady state assumptions. The theoretical predictions, including the burning velocity, are validated by the results presented in other works.

Quantification of the Impacts of Eco-driving Training and Real-time Feedback on Urban Buses Driver's Behaviour

The transportation sector is one of the main contributors to enhance quality of life, by providing accessibility to people, places and goods. On the other hand, it also contributes to the degradation of the environment, presenting high levels of energy consumption and pollutants emissions. Solutions to overcome this increasing trend have focused on the development of alternative vehicle technologies and fuels, innovative transport systems, and information and communication technologies. Users’ behavior plays an essential role regarding the impacts of these solutions on reducing energy consumption and emissions. Over the years, rising attention has been given to behavior, both for light-duty and heavy-duty drivers, in particular to the effects of education, training, and feedback regarding driving performance on vehicle purchase, mobility patterns, and driving behavior.This paper aims at assessing the impacts of on-board devices that provide real-time feedback and eco driving training on bus drivers’ behavior. Rodoviária de Lisboa S.A., a Portuguese bus passenger-transport company, uses since 2008 a data logger and a managing software platform, GISFROT, developed by the company, to collect real-time operation data and to identify undesirable driving behaviors. These devices indicate to the driver undesirable driving behavior events through a sound signal. Drivers also participate in annual in class training sessions on eco-driving techniques. The device is currently installed in 100 buses and approximately 600 drivers use these vehicles under regular daily operation, while driving in the Lisbon metropolitan area.An analysis of data collected from 2010 to 2013 was performed to characterize driving behavior of the sample of drivers. Two monitoring periods, a first one with sound feedback followed by a period without sound feedback, were considered. A comparison between periods was performed regarding the percentage of times drivers were in undesirable driving events such as hard brakes and hard accelerations, among others. This analysis also considered drivers characteristics (age and time working at company) and vehicle characteristics (bus age and type). The comparison between monitoring periods indicates that without sound feedback, inexperienced drivers and senior drivers tend to increase percentage of time in undesirable events, particularly when driving mini buses and articulated buses. These increases are mainly observable in extreme brakes and accelerations and hard stops, with rises between 8% and 291%.

Metabolic engineering of lipid catabolism increases microalgal lipid accumulation without compromising growth

Biologically derived fuels are viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, and microalgae are a particularly promising source, but improvements are required throughout the production process to increase productivity and reduce cost. Metabolic engineering to increase yields of biofuel-relevant lipids in these organisms without compromising growth is an important aspect of advancing economic feasibility. We report that the targeted knockdown of a multifunctional lipase/phospholipase/acyltransferase increased lipid yields without affecting growth in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Antisense-expressing knockdown strains 1A6 and 1B1 exhibited wild-type-like growth and increased lipid content under both continuous light and alternating light/dark conditions. Strains 1A6 and 1B1, respectively, contained 2.4- and 3.3-fold higher lipid content than wild-type during exponential growth, and 4.1- and 3.2-fold higher lipid content than wild-type after 40 h of silicon starvation. Analyses of fatty acids, lipid classes, and membrane stability in the transgenic strains suggest a role for this enzyme in membrane lipid turnover and lipid homeostasis. These results demonstrate that targeted metabolic manipulations can be used to increase lipid accumulation in eukaryotic microalgae without compromising growth.

Application of Biomass to Hydrogen and Syngas Production

Today there is a worldwide interest in the use of biomass as an environmental friendly renewable energy source. The depletion of fossil oil reserves, constant uncertainties as far as price is concerned, unsecured supplies, and environmental pollution are among the many energy problems, when the use of fossil fuels are considered. Greenhouse effect and its consequences on climate change is one of the drawbacks resulting from the extensive use of this kind of fuels. These problems require the development of new alternative fuels such as biofuels. In this way, the biomass appears as an attractive source for the production of fuels and chemicals due to its versatility, renewable nature and low environmental impacts. The available energy production processes from biomass can, roughly, be divided into two general categories, to know: thermochemical and biological processes. Pyrolysis, gasification, reforming and combustion are the four thermochemical processes and direct biophotolysis, indirect biophotolysis, biological water–gas shift reaction, photo-fermentation and dark-fermentation are the five biological processes. Alternative thermochemical via (pyrolysis and gasification) can be practically applied to produce hydrogen and syngas from many types of renewable feedstock and deserve special attention. Bearing this in mind, this paper gives an overview of these technologies for hydrogen and syngas production from biomass.

Enabling reforms: Analyzing the political economy of the charcoal sector in Tanzania

With about 95percent of all households in urban areas relying on charcoal to meet energy needs, charcoal is one of the most important energy sources in Tanzania. High population growth rates coupled with accelerated urban development and relative cost increases of alternative fuels indicate that the importance of charcoal is unlikely to decline in the near future. Systemic initiatives to render the sector more environmentally and economically sustainable are missing or have remained largely ineffective. A weak formal governance framework as well as regulatory overlaps and gaps are often identified as principal reasons. Nonetheless, the underlying political economy supporting and maintaining the status quo is only poorly understood and no attempt has so far been made for a formal analysis and documentation.Applying an established methodology, this article provides a unique analysis of the political economy of the charcoal sector in Tanzania. It documents social, political, and economic explanations that existed as anecdotal evidence only and explains why a reform dialogue needs to be sensitive. While the analysis focuses on Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, it shows that findings apply to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa facing similar challenges. It provides a comprehensive example for approaching charcoal sector reforms, requiring identification of the problems and an open dialogue within and among stakeholders, new policies and a subsequent strategic decision clearly stating overarching goals and specific objectives.

The economic and environmental performance of the production of bioethanol from municipal solid waste in the UK

Background: Waste management, energy resource development and sustainability are all subject matters of global interest that have led to the development of low-carbon alternative fuels, such as bioethanol from biological wastes. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic and environmental performance of using municipal solid waste (MSW) for bioethanol production within the UK. Results: Life cycle analysis and economic evaluation techniques were used to determine the GHG emissions and economic performance of a prospective MSW plant operating to recover recyclables and produce ethanol from the remaining biological component. It was determined that an MSW plant producing 26 million l of ethanol per year and recovering a total of 49,000 tonnes per year of glass metals and plastics would have an internal rate of return of 27% and net GHG emissions savings of 137%. Conclusion: The process was shown to be a favorable option for treating MSW in the UK, provided appropriate tipping fees and government subsidies are in place.

Comparison of Alternative Diesel Fuels with the Composition-Explicit Distillation Curve Method

In recent years, environmental considerations, the potential for supply disruptions, and rising fuel prices have led to the development of alternative diesel fuels produced from nonpetroleum feedstocks. It is important to characterize the properties of these fuels in order to assess the degree of departure of the alternative fuels from the petroleum-derived fuels. One of the most important properties to use for this purpose is the volatility, as expressed by the distillation curve. In this paper, we present advanced distillation curve measurements of three prototype alternative diesel fuels and compare the distillation curve, composition, and combustion enthalpy to those of petroleum-derived diesel fuel. We studied two Fischer–Tropsch diesel fuels, one synthesized from coal-derived gas and one produced from natural gas, and one renewable diesel fuel composed of hydrotreated animal and vegetable fats. We found that the distillation curves of the three alternative diesel fuels are similar to those of petrol...

Hydrogen Migrations in Alkylcycloalkyl Radicals: Implications for Chain-Branching Reactions in Fuels

A thorough understanding of the oxidation chemistry of cycloalkanes is integral to the development of alternative fuels and improving current fuel performance. An important class of reactions essential to this chemistry is the hydrogen migration; however, they have largely been omitted from the literature for cycloalkanes. The present work investigates all of the hydrogen migration reactions available to methylcyclopentane, ethylcyclopentane, methylcyclohexane, and ethylcyclohexane. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters have been studied by a combination of computational methods and compared to their corresponding n-alkyl and methylalkyl counterparts to determine the effect that the cycloalkane ring has on these reactions. In particular, although the alkylcycloalkyl activation energies for the dominant 1,4, 1,5, and 1,6 H-migration are higher than in n-alkyl and methylalkyl radicals, because several of the rotors needed to form the transition state are locked into place as part of the cycloalkane ring, the A-factors are higher for the alkylcycloalkyl reactions, making the rates closer to the noncyclic systems, at higher temperatures. The results presented here suggest that the relative importance of each H-migration pathway differs from the trends predicted by either the n-alkyl or methylalkyl radical systems. Of particular interest is the observation that since the barrier height of the 1,4 H-migration is only 3-5 kcal mol(-1) higher than the 1,5 H-migration in the methyl and ethylcycloalkyl radicals, compared to a difference of roughly 7 kcal mol(-1) in similar reactions for both the n-alkyl and methylalkyl radicals, the 1,4 H-migrations in alkylcycloalkyl radicals will be more important in the overall mechanism than would be predicted based on the n-alkyl and methylalkyl radicals. These results have important combustion model implications, particularly for fuels with high cycloalkane content.