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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (12 July 2023) | Viewed by 14190

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Yunus Khan Tatagar

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Interests: biodiesel; IC engines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ever-increasing demand of energy and the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels have compelled researchers worldwide to look for alternative fuel resources. Biodiesel has emerged as a potential alternative to petroleum diesel for compression ignition engines. Especially in the last two decades, there has been a lot of progress and technological reforms in the field of biodiesel with regard to biodiesel production, its higher ester conversion, improved yield, etc. Biodiesel-fueled engines have been reported to be less efficient compared to diesel engines for various reasons. Hence, researchers across the world have been focusing on developing efficient engines at par with diesel engines in addition to meeting legislative emission norms. The recent progress has shown promising outcomes with respect to biodiesel production and efficient biodiesel engines.

This Special Issue is devised to have a platform to share the recent developments, challenges, as well as prospects of biofuel.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Yunus Khan Tatagar
Guest Editor

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Keywords

biodiesel production
cleaner production of biodiesel
optimization and fuel properties
biodiesel additives (nano, oxygenated, metallic additives, antioxidants, etc.)
innovative engine intake modifications
fuel injection strategies
combustion chamber modifications
emissions reduction technologies

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transesterification of Algae Oil and Little Amount of Waste Cooking Oil Blend at Low Temperature in the Presence of NaOH

by Siddharth Jain, Nitin Kumar, Varun Pratap Singh, Sachin Mishra, Naveen Kumar Sharma, Mohit Bajaj and T. M. Yunus Khan

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031293 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

The present study describes the single-step transesterification method of biodiesel production from high free fatty acid (FFA) waste cooking oil blended with algae oil using a homogeneous base catalyst. Due to high FFA contents, two step transesterification is needed to convert oil into biodiesel and therefore the high FFA content of waste cooking oil is decreased by blending it with low FFA content algae oil, which would further lead only to single step transesterification of low FFA oil. The design and optimization studies were conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The box-Behnken design technique is applied to optimize the three process parameters, i.e., catalyst concentration (0–2 wt%), methanol concentration (v/v) (20–60%) and reaction time (60–180 min) at a uniform reaction temperature of 50 °C. The result of the current study indicates that an effective biodiesel yield of 92% can be obtained at the optimized condition of catalyst concentration of 1.5% (w/w), methanol/oil ratio of 21:1 and reaction time of 110 min at a constant reaction temperature of 50 °C. This analysis clearly shows that this study can resolve the storage problem of high FFA oils from different feedstock and RSM can be successfully used to model the reaction to maximize the biodiesel yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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14 pages, 5995 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Initial Boiling Point of Lubricating Oil as an Indicator for the Assessment of the Possible Contamination of Lubricating Oil with Diesel Oil

by Leszek Chybowski

Energies 2022, 15(21), 7927; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15217927 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

This article provides a brief introduction to the indicators of the volatility and flammability of lubricating oils and fuels. It is proposed that the initial boiling point be used as an indicator of the contamination of lubricating oil with distillate fuel (i.e., diesel biofuel oil) in the context of the rapid detection of explosion risks in the crankcase. Detailed tests were carried out on lubricating oil samples (SAE 30 and SAE 40 grades, which are most commonly used in the lubrication systems of marine trunk engines) diluted with diesel oil at selected mass concentrations (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100%). The oils were tested to determine their relevant properties: the flash point temperature and the initial boiling temperature. The flash point was determined in a closed crucible using the Pensky–Martens method, which is in accordance with PN-EN ISO 2719. The differences between the initial boiling point and the flash point of the tested lubricating oils were determined for different dilution levels of lubricating oil in diesel fuel. An approximate method for the calculation of the flash point of the oil based on the initial boiling point is proposed. The results of oil flash point measurements are compared with values calculated as a function of the boiling point for both lubricating oils tested. An evaluation of how well models fit the experimental results is reported. Conclusions are presented on the applicability of the proposed method during operational practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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Review

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33 pages, 3776 KiB

Open AccessReview

Performance and Emission Characteristics of Second-Generation Biodiesel with Oxygenated Additives

by Saad Ahmad, Ali Turab Jafry, Muteeb ul Haq, Naseem Abbas, Huma Ajab, Arif Hussain and Uzair Sajjad

Energies 2023, 16(13), 5153; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135153 - 04 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

Biofuels are environmental friendly renewable fuels, that can be directly used in a diesel engine. However, a few shortcomings like a higher density, viscosity, a lower calorific value and increase in NOx emissions, has caused researchers to look for fuel additives to improve the physiochemical properties of these fuels and to enhance their performance and reduce harmful emissions. It is for this reason that modern research is focused on blending oxygenated additives such as alcohols and ethers with different generations of biodiesel. Since most studies have covered the effect of alcohol on biodiesel, there are few studies which have investigated the effect of oxygenated additives such as alcohols and ethers, especially related to second-generation biodiesel. Moreover, the details of their composition and molecular structure are still lacking. Hence, this study focuses on the performance and emission characteristics of biodiesel with the inclusion of oxygenated additives (alcohols and ethers) of non-edible-oil-based second-generation blends. The reviewed results showed that Neem biodiesel with methanol or diethyl ether reduced brake-specific fuel consumption by 10%, increased brake thermal efficiency by 25% and reduced CO and HC emissions due to a higher oxygen content. Diethyl ether reduced NOx emissions as well by producing a cooling effect, i.e., a reduced in-cylinder temperature. The addition of heptane, butanol and di ethyl ether to Jatropha biodiesel showed an improved brake thermal efficiency and an increment in brake-specific fuel consumption (5–20%), with reduced HC and CO₂ (3–12%) emissions. Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel also showed impressive results in terms of improving efficiency and reducing emissions with addition of butanol, pentanol, decanol and hexanol. Other factors that influenced emissions are the cetane number, viscosity, density and the latent heat of evaporation of tested biodiesel blends. This review would help the research community and the relevant industries to consider an efficient biodiesel blend for future study or its implementation as an alternate fuel in diesel engines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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25 pages, 2423 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Tropical Organic Materials for Biodiesel as a Substitute Energy Source in Internal Combustion Engines: A Viable Solution?

by Anderson Breno Souza, Alvaro Antonio Villa Ochoa, José Ângelo Peixoto da Costa, Gustavo de Novaes Pires Leite, Héber Claudius Nunes Silva, Andrezza Carolina Carneiro Tómas, David Campos Barbosa and Paula Suemy Arruda Michima

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3736; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093736 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

In this article, the most important publications on the subject are compiled to highlight the progress in biodiesel production from tropical cultivars, including energy and environmental potential, raw materials, and the advantages and disadvantages of this biofuel. A critical and objective review of biodiesel production as an alternative fuel for power generation systems and its importance in the energy matrix was conducted. A survey of real applications, new computational and experimental trends, and proposals in internal combustion engines employing organic biofuel was performed. The main findings were as follows: (i) there is the possibility of integration and support in the energy matrix of different countries, as well as the competing with and complementing, energetically, other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind; (ii) Jatropha curcas, sunflowers, soybean, Moringa oleifera, palm, cottonseed, castor, rubber seed, and coconut are tropical cultivars used to obtained oils into biodiesel; (iii) the findings can be utilized as a theoretical basis for future policies influencing the energy sector through regulatory measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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27 pages, 7285 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Recent Developments of RCCI Engines Operated with Alternative Fuels

by Siva Krishna Reddy Dwarshala, Siva Subramaniam Rajakumar, Obula Reddy Kummitha, Elumalai Perumal Venkatesan, Ibham Veza and Olusegun David Samuel

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3192; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073192 - 01 Apr 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2277

Abstract

Environmental concerns over automotive exhaust emissions and consumer demand for higher fuel efficiency have led to the development of low-temperature combustion concepts. The reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engine is one among them and has the potential to reduce NOx and smoke emissions simultaneously. In this concept, a low-reactivity fuel is injected into the intake port and another high-reactivity fuel is injected into the cylinder directly. This results in reactivity stratification and provides more control over the rate of heat release. However, operating parameters such as reactivity of fuels, premixing ratio, injection strategies, exhaust gas recirculation ratio, piston bowl geometry, and compression ratio influence emissions formation. The article reviews recent developments on the effect of the above operating parameters on the performance and emission characteristics of RCCI engines operated with alternative fuels. The combustion strategies used to extend the RCCI mode to higher loads are also reviewed. Applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) to design the combustion chamber for RCCI engines are discussed. The need for further improvements in the CFD models for RCCI engines is explained. After presenting a thorough review of recent literature, directions for future research on RCCI engines are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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29 pages, 11218 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biodiesel Additives Synthesis Using Solid Heteropolyacid Catalysts

by Marcio Jose da Silva, Neide Paloma Gonçalves Lopes and Alana Alves Rodrigues

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031332 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1389

Abstract

Fossil additives are a primary energy source and their contribution is around 80% in the world. Therefore, bioadditives that reduce their impact are each very important. This article discusses the chemical transformation of glycerol to carbonate, ethers, esters, ketals, and acetals, compounds with high technological applications, especially in the fuel sector as bioadditives. Mainly, heterogeneous catalysts are important in the production of more than 80% of chemicals in the word. The focus is on demonstrating how the Keggin heteropolyacids (HPAs) are efficient catalysts in the reactions of syntheses of glycerol-derived bioadditives, either in homogeneous or heterogeneous phases. Although solid, HPAs have a low surface area and are soluble in polar solvents, hampering their use as heterogeneous catalysts. Alternatively, they have been successfully used supported on solid matrixes with a high surface area. Another option is converting the Keggin HPAs to insoluble salts simply by exchanging their protons with large cations like potassium, cesium, or ammonium-derivatives. Therefore, solid heteropoly salts have reduced the cost and the environmental impact of bioadditive synthesis processes, being an alternative to traditional mineral acids or solid-supported catalysts. This review describes the most recent advances achieved in the processes of synthesis of glycerol-derived bioadditives over solid-supported HPAs or their solid heteropoly salts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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23 pages, 2650 KiB

Open AccessReview

Essence of Thermal Analysis to Assess Biodiesel Combustion Performance

by Vinay Atgur, G. Manavendra, Nagaraj R. Banapurmath, Boggarapu Nageswar Rao, Ali A. Rajhi, T. M. Yunus Khan, Chandramouli Vadlamudi, Sanjay Krishnappa, Ashok M. Sajjan and R. Venkatesh

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6622; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186622 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2404

Abstract

The combustion phenomena are always complex in nature due to the involvement of complex series and parallel reactions. There are various methods that are involved in analyzing combustion phenomena. Viscosity is the first and foremost factor that acts as the DNA of fuel. By evaluating the viscosity, it is possible initially to understand the combustion phenomena. Thermophysical and transport properties are helpful during the intensification of the combustion process. Combustion experiments are economically infeasible and time-consuming processes. Combustion simulations demand excellent computational facilities with detailed knowledge of chemical kinetics. So far, the majority of researchers have focused on analyzing coal combustion phenomena, whereas less work has been carried out on liquid fuels, especially biodiesel combustion analysis. Traditional engine testing provides only performance parameters, and it fails to have oversight of the thermodynamic aspects. The application of thermal analysis methods in combustion research is useful in the design, modeling, and operation of the systems. Such investigations are carried out extensively in the combustor, engine, and process industries. The use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) to assess the properties of biofuels has been attracting researchers in recent years. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the application of TGA and DSC to analyze heat flow, enthalpy, thermal stability, and combustion indexes. Moreover, this paper reviews some of the other aspects of the kinetics of combustion, transport properties’ evaluation, and combustion simulations for biodiesels and their blends. TG curves indicate two phases of decomposition for diesel and three phases for biofuel. The B-20 blend’s (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel) performance was found to be similar to that of diesel with the combustion index and intensity of combustion nearly comparable with diesel. It is thermally more stable with a high offset temperature, confirming a longer combustion duration. A case study reported in this work showed diesel and B20 JOME degradation start from 40 °C, whereas jatropha oil methyl ester (JOME) degradation starts from 140 °C. JOME presents more decomposition steps with high decomposition temperatures, indicative of more stable compound formation due to the oxidation process. The peak temperature of combustion for diesel, JOME, and B20 JOME are 250.4 °C, 292.1 °C, and 266.5 °C, respectively. The ignition index for the B-20 blend is 73.73% more than that of diesel. The combustion index for the B20 blend is 37.81% higher than diesel. The B20 blend exhibits high enthalpy, better thermal stability, and a reduced peak temperature of combustion with an improved combustion index and intensity of combustion nearly comparable to diesel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biodiesel and IC Engines)

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