Greenhouse gas emissions and energy balances of jatropha biodiesel as an alternative fuel in Tanzania

This paper evaluates GHG emissions and energy balances (i.e. net energy value (NEV), net renewable energy value (NREV) and net energy ratio (NER)) of jatropha biodiesel as an alternative fuel in Tanzania by using life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The functional unit (FU) was defined as 1 tonne (t) of combusted jatropha biodiesel. The findings of the study prove wrong the notion that biofuels are carbon neutral, thus can mitigate climate change. A net GHG equivalent emission of about 848 kg t⁻¹ was observed. The processes which account significantly to GHG emissions are the end use of biodiesel (about 82%) followed by farming of jatropha for about 13%. Sensitivity analysis indicates that replacing diesel with biodiesel in irrigation of jatropha farms decreases the net GHG emissions by 7.7% while avoiding irrigation may reduce net GHG emissions by 12%. About 22.0 GJ of energy is consumed to produce 1 t of biodiesel. Biodiesel conversion found to be a major energy consuming process (about 64.7%) followed by jatropha farming for about 30.4% of total energy. The NEV is 19.2 GJ t⁻¹, indicating significant energy gain of jatropha biodiesel. The NREV is 23.1 GJ t⁻¹ while NER is 2.3; the two values indicate that large amount of fossil energy is used to produce biodiesel. The results of the study are meant to inform stakeholders and policy makers in the bioenergy sector.     

Biodiesel from jatropha: Can India meet the 20% blending target?

The need for biofuels, particularly liquid ones like ethanol and biodiesel, has been felt by most of the countries and their governments have been trying to promote these fuels. Following in line with global trend, India declared its biofuel policy in which biodiesel, primarily from jatropha, would meet 20% of the diesel demand beginning with 2011–2012. In spite of the efforts made by the state, production of biodiesel, however, has not picked up at all. Doubt arises as to whether the country will be able to meet the target. It is felt that the government policy, particularly regarding land utilization, organizing cultivation of jatropha and pricing of jatropha seeds, needs to be more clear. This paper attempts to make an assessment of the state of India’s biofuel programme and to identify the hurdles that policy-maker need to overcome to achieve the goal.     

Assessment of tree seed oil biodiesel: A comparative review based on biodiesel of a locally available tree seed

The present investigation is undertaken to investigate prospect of seeds of a locally available tree (koroch) for biodiesel production. The middle-size, evergreen koroch tree with spreading branches are available in Assam. The characteristics of koroch biodiesel and engine performance fueled by koroch biodiesel are also analyzed reviewing similar results available in the literature so as to ascertain its status. Twelve number of different tree seed oils, reported earlier, are considered for making the present comparative assessment. Though transesterification has been the common process for converting tree seed oil into biodiesel, as evidenced from the literature consulted in this study, but there have been variations of the chemical processes. Variations of the transesterification are attributed to (i) types of catalysis viz., acid (H₂SO₄) or base (KOH, NaOH, and NaOCH₃), (ii) reaction temperature, (iii) molar ratio, (iv) nature of reaction viz., single stage or multi-stage. The outputs of the reaction have also been found varying in terms of yield as well as quality. Quality of biodiesel, however, was found to influence by the nature of feedstock. The assessment of quality parameters was made either by ASTM D 6751 or EN 14214 standards. The major fuel properties such as calorific value, kinematic viscosity, cetane number and cloud point of the reference biodiesel (koroch biodiesel) are compared with the properties of five biodiesel obtained from non-edible tree seed (karanja, mahua, polonga, jatropha and rubber seed) and then ranked them in order of desirable property. No single biodiesel type could be found at top rank with reference to more than one property. With regards to viscosity, except rubber seed biodiesel, all other biodiesels (karanja, mahua, polonga, jatropha and koroch) fulfilled the ASTM D 6751 (1.9-6 cSt) as well as EN14214 (3.5-5) standards. Koroch biodiesel ranks 3rd, 3rd and 6th in case of kinematic viscosity, cetane number and calorific value amongst the biodiesel types considered for the present study. Cloud point of koroch, polanga, mahua, rubber, karanja and jatropha biodiesels are 4, 13.2, 5, 4, 12 and 4 °C. Further, properties of biodiesel were found to have influencing correlation with the fatty acid characteristics of the feedstock. Therefore, biodiesel with desirable properties could be expected form optimum mixing of different feedstock.Eleven number of different engine performance results pertaining to uses of biodiesel are also reviewed in this paper. Varying test conditions with reference to fuel types and blends, engine size and loading pattern are discussed. Engine performance results of koroch biodiesel were then compared with five similar tree-based biodiesel. It is observed that tree seed oil with more unsaturated fatty acids exhibits lower thermal efficiency compared to biodiesel having more saturated acids.     

Friction and wear characteristics of jatropha oil-based biodiesel blended lubricant at different loads

Around the globe there is demand for the development of bio-based lubricants, which will be biodegradable, nontoxic, and environmental friendly. This paper outlines the friction and wear characteristics of jatropha biodiesel-contaminated bio-lubricant using a pin-on-disc tribometer. To formulate the bio-lubricants, jatropha oil-based biodiesels were blended at the ratios 4, 12, and 20% by volume with the base lubricant SAE 20 W 40. Tribological characteristics of these blends were carried out at 3.8 m/s sliding velocity and loads applied were 50, 100, and 160 N. Experimental results showed that the lubrication regime that occurred during the test was boundary lubrication while the main wear mechanism was adhesive wear. During testing, the lowest wear was found with the addition of 4 and 12% jatropha oil-based biodiesel, and above this contamination, the wear rate was increased considerably. The addition of 4 and 12% jatropha oil-based biodiesel with the base lubricant acted as a very good lubricant additive, which reduced the friction and wear rate diameter during the test. It has been concluded that JBO 4 and JBO 12 can act as an alternative lubricant to increase the mechanical efficiency at 3.8 m/s sliding velocity and contribute to reducing the dependence on petroleum-based products.     

Expression profiles of genes involved in fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis in developing seeds of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.)

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae), a potential biodiesel plant, has created tremendous interest all over the world for the use of its seed oil as a commercial source of biodiesel. Due to the unreliability of oil content in its seeds and low economic returns planting of jatropha in agriculture was restricted. Investigating the molecular basis of storage lipid accumulation during seed development is an immediate need to understand genetic factors regulating storage lipid biosynthesis in jatropha seeds. In this study, we characterized the seed development and lipid accumulation from female flowers pollinated to mature seeds, and investigated temporal expression profiles of 21 lipid genes involved in different steps of the pathways leading to fatty acid and TAG synthesis within jatropha developing seeds using quantitative real-time PCR technology. Concomitantly, 17 genes increased their expression levels in developing seeds compared to their expression in leaf, but showed various temporal expression patterns and different relative-maximum ratio ranging from 2.8 to 1,919,280-fold in developing seeds. Five gene groups with distinct temporal patterns were identified by clustering analysis of expression data. Two gene groups including 15 genes presented up-regulated expression patterns correlated with storage lipid accumulation in developing seeds. This study provided not only the initial information on promoter activity for each gene, but also a first glimpse of the global patterns of gene expression and regulation, which are critical to understand the molecular basis of lipid biosyntheses, identifying the rate-limiting genes during seed development and to create improved varieties by genetic engineering.     

共轨柴油机燃用麻疯树制生物柴油的环境排放特性

对某共轨柴油机分别燃用不同混合比例麻疯树果实制生物柴油全负荷速度特性、标定转速及最大转矩转速负荷特性的全球变暖、光化学烟雾、酸化、人体毒性、气溶胶环境排放特性进行了试验研究。结果表明:与石化柴油比较,随着生物柴油混合比例的增加,该机全负荷速度特性下所有转速的光化学烟雾、气溶胶环境排放降低,1 600 r/min以上的全球变暖、酸化、人体毒性环境排放降低;标定转速及最大转矩转速负荷特性下,该机所有负荷的光化学烟雾、气溶胶环境排放降低,75%负荷以上的全球变暖、酸化、人体毒性环境排放降低。     

Natural and synthetic antioxidants: Influence on the oxidative stability of biodiesel synthesized from non-edible oil

According to the proposed National Mission on Biodiesel in India, we have undertaken studies on the oxidative stability of biodiesel synthesized from tree borne non-edible oil seeds jatropha. Neat jatropha biodiesel exhibited oxidation stability of 3.95 h and research was conducted to investigate the influence of natural and synthetic antioxidants on the oxidation stability of jatropha methyl ester. Antioxidants namely α-tocopherol, tert-butylated hydroxytoluene, tert-butylated phenol derivative, octylated butylated diphenyl amine, and tert-butylhydroxquinone were doped to improve the oxidation stability. It was found that both types of antioxidants showed beneficial effects in increasing the oxidation stability of jatropha methyl ester, but comparatively, the synthetic antioxidants were found to be more effective.     

Properties and use of jatropha curcas oil and diesel fuel blends in compression ignition engine

In the present investigation the high viscosity of the jatropha curcas oil which has been considered as a potential alternative fuel for the compression ignition (C.I.) engine was decreased by blending with diesel. The blends of varying proportions of jatropha curcas oil and diesel were prepared, analyzed and compared with diesel fuel. The effect of temperature on the viscosity of biodiesel and jatropha oil was also studied. The performance of the engine using blends and jatropha oil was evaluated in a single cylinder C.I. engine and compared with the performance obtained with diesel. Significant improvement in engine performance was observed compared to vegetable oil alone. The specific fuel consumption and the exhaust gas temperature were reduced due to decrease in viscosity of the vegetable oil. Acceptable thermal efficiencies of the engine were obtained with blends containing up to 50% volume of jatropha oil. From the properties and engine test results it has been established that 40–50% of jatropha oil can be substituted for diesel without any engine modification and preheating of the blends.     

Performance of diesel engine using biodiesel obtained from mixed feedstocks

Availability of identified tree species bearing non-edible oil has a region specific production characteristics and availability of sufficient amount at a given place is always uncertain. Moreover, the any prospective biodiesel production and utilization programe would need to consider more and one feedstock to meet the target. There could be another reason to investigate feasibility of mixed feedstocks considering strength and weakness of biodiesel fuel properties specific to feedstocks. Considering the above the present investigation is carried out to study the fuel characteristics of biodiesel obtain from mixed feedstocks of three species of oil feedstocks namely polonga, koroch and jatropha. An attempt has been made in this paper to give an overview of the application of mixed biodiesel in CI Engine. Properties of biodiesel obtained from mixed feedstocks (BOMF) satisfy different biodiesel standards. Performance of BOMF fueled engine gives better result than the individual biodiesels.     

A perspective on incorporation of glycerin purification process in biodiesel plants using waste cooking oil as feedstock

In biodiesel production through transesterification, glycerin is produced as a valuable co-product. Some biodiesel plants have incorporated a glycerin purification process since the beginning of operations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the benefits of the incorporation of a glycerin purification process to a biodiesel plant where has already been constructed without the initial consideration of including an extra process for glycerin. A cost–benefit analysis is applied to evaluate the potential benefit from the incorporation of this process, in cases of a high plant cost and a low plant cost, with and without a glycerin facility installation. Our results show that the installation of a glycerin purification process could benefit a biodiesel plant through glycerin recovery and a decrease in wastewater treatment cost. The current downward trend in the market price of glycerin could be offset by encouraging the development of new applications for glycerin in order to expand the existing market and to stabilize the market price. However, biodiesel plants using waste cooking oil in Japan still need government subsidy to sustain their business activity.     

Process risk assessment — Using science to “do it right”

In today's process industry environment, it is becoming more and more important for companies to evaluate the risks associated with their plants. There are, however, many risk assessment methods that exist with varying degrees of complexity and cost. Choosing the right assessment method which will provide the information management needs to address the facility's risks is often the most difficult part in the whole assessment process. With this paper we are providing an overview of two assessment methods, namely HAZOP which is a qualitative method and FACILITY RISK REVIEW which uses different techniques of a qualitative and quantitative nature. These methods are similar to those currently being used in the risk assessment process at the facilities of the SASOL GROUP OF COMPANIES.     

Modeling the land requirements and potential productivity of sugarcane and jatropha in Brazil and India using the LPJmL dynamic global vegetation model

The governments of Brazil and India are planning a large expansion of bioethanol and biodiesel production in the next decade. Considering that limitation of suitable land and/or competition with other land uses might occur in both countries, assessments of potential crop productivity can contribute to an improved planning of land requirements for biofuels under high productivity or marginal conditions. In this paper we model the potential productivity of sugarcane and jatropha in both countries. Land requirements for such expansions are calculated according to policy scenarios based on government targets for biofuel production in 2015. Spatial variations in the potential productivity lead to rather different land requirements, depending on where plantations are located. If jatropha is not irrigated, land requirements to fulfill the Indian government plans in 2015 would be of 410 000 to 95 000 km² if grown in low or high productivity areas respectively (mean of 212 000 km²). In Brazil land requirements, are of 18 000–89 000 km² (mean of 29 000 km²), suggesting a promising substitute to soybean biodiesel. Although future demand for sugarcane ethanol in Brazil is approximately ten times larger than in India, land requirements are comparable in both countries due to large differences in ethanol production systems. In Brazil this requirement ranges from 25 000 to 211 000 km² (mean of 33 000 km²) and in India from 7000 to 161 000 km² (mean 17 000 km²). Irrigation could reduce the land requirements by 63% and 41% (24% and 15%) in India (Brazil) for jatropha and sugarcane respectively.     

Necessity of biodiesel utilization as a source of renewable energy in Malaysia

In recent decades, the energy crisis and environmental issues have become a crucial problem. The rapid industrialization has lead humankind to deplete the fossil fuels and consequently the pollutant emissions have increased in the world. Many investigations have been done to find an alternative fuel to fulfill increasing energy demand. Recently, biodiesel has been introduced as an economical renewable and sustainable fuel which is cited as an environment-friendly resource. Around 350 oil-bearing crops were analyzed and some of them were capable to be considered as potential alternative fuels for diesel engines. These include virgin vegetable oils and waste vegetable oils. Rapeseed, jatropha, soybean, and palm oil are mentioned as the most common sources of biodiesel. Many countries have invested in biodiesel as an acceptable source of energy not only in research area but also in production and export. It has been proven that the biodiesel combustion characteristics are similar as petroleum. Higher ignition pressure and temperature, shorter ignition delay and higher peak release were reported in experimental combustion of biodiesel blends. Also, the efficiency of biodiesel base catalysts is more than enzymes and acid catalysts. This article is a literature review on necessity of biodiesel production as alternative fuel recourse in Malaysia and tries to illustrate the combustion characteristics and pollutant formation in biodiesel application.     

Opportunities and challenges for biodiesel fuel

Fossil fuel resources are decreasing daily. As a renewable energy, biodiesel has been receiving increasing attention because of the relevance it gains from the rising petroleum price and its environmental advantages. This review highlights some of the perspectives for the biodiesel industry to thrive as an alternative fuel, while discussing opportunities and challenges of biodiesel. This review is divided in three parts. First overview is given on developments of biodiesel in past and present, especially for the different feedstocks and the conversion technologies of biodiesel industry. More specifically, an overview is given on possible environmental and social impacts associated with biodiesel production, such as food security, land change and water source. Further emphasis is given on the need for government’s incentives and public awareness for the use and benefits of biodiesel, while promoting policies that will not only endorse the industry, but also promote effective land management.     

基于FBWM-EWM-LDM组合模型的大坝风险识别方法

鉴于大坝风险评估信息具有一定的模糊性和不确定性，提出了一种基于FBWM EWM LDM组合模型的大坝风险识别方法，通过模糊最优最劣法和熵权法分别确定大坝风险评价指标体系中各风险项的主、客观权重，同时利用级差最大化法构建非线性规划问题求得最佳组合权重，进而确定风险排序以识别工程中的主要风险。实例应用结果表明，模型识别结果与工程实际情况相吻合，验证了模型的合理性与有效性，为大坝风险管理与除险加固决策提供了依据。     

Energy infrastructure in India: Profile and risks under climate change

India has committed large investments to energy infrastructure assets-power plants, refineries, energy ports, pipelines, roads, railways, etc. The coastal infrastructure being developed to meet the rising energy imports is vulnerable to climate extremes. This paper provides an overview of climate risks to energy infrastructures in India and details two case studies – a crude oil importing port and a western coast railway transporting coal. The climate vulnerability of the port has been mapped using an index while that of the railway has been done through a damage function for RCP 4.5.0 and 8.5 scenarios. Our analysis shows that risk management through adaptation is likely to be very expensive. The system risks can be even greater and might adversely affect energy security and access objectives. Aligning sustainable development and climate adaptation measures can deliver substantial co-benefits. The key policy recommendations include: i) mandatory vulnerability assessment to future climate risks for energy infrastructures; ii) project and systemic risks in the vulnerability index; iii) adaptation funds for unmitigated climate risks; iv) continuous monitoring of climatic parameters and implementation of adaptation measures, and iv) sustainability actions along energy infrastructures that enhance climate resilience and simultaneously deliver co-benefits to local agents.     

A comparative study of kinetics for combustion versus pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea husk,soya husk,and Jatropha curcas husk using thermogravimmetry and different methods

The combustion and pyrolysis kinetics of three selected biomasses generated as co-products of the oil and biodiesel industry – namely soya husk (SH), jatropha husk (JH), and Mesua ferrea husk (MH) – using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis techniques have been reported. These biomasses were initially characterized for basic fuel property, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and fiber analysis. The activation energy calculated using three different kinetic equations, viz. Coats and Redfern, Differential, and Friedman methods for combustion, were found higher than that for pyrolysis for all biomasses at the maximum airflow rate (20ml/min). However, the kinetic parameters are not sufficient alone to explain the suitability of the biomass.     

Perspectives on biodiesel as a sustainable fuel

The present global economy downturn affects every corner of the world including the vehicular fuel industry. This paper highlights some of the perspectives for the biodiesel industry to thrive as an alternative fuel, while discussing benefits and limitations of biodiesel. This includes the improvement of the conversion technology to achieve a sustainable process at cheaper cost, environmentally benign and cleaner emissions, diversification of products derived from glycerol, and policy and government incentives. More specifically, an overview is given on making the production process more economical by developing high conversion and low cost catalysts from renewable sources, and utilizing waste oil as feedstock. Further emphasis is given on the need for public education and awareness for the use and benefits of biodiesel, while promoting policies that will not only endorse the industry, but also promote effective land management.     

A coordination analysis of stakeholder interests on the new subsidy policy of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in China: From the perspective of the evolutionary game theory

For breakthrough the Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle (HFCV) technical strangleholds, China plans to implement a new support policy to HFCV industry named Replace Subsidy with Award (RSA), which aims to replace production subsidy into upgrading key technology subsidy. In this research, considering the limited rationality of Central Government (CG), Local Government (LG), and enterprises, we examine China's RSA policy using the tripartite Evolutionary Game Theory (EGT). The theoretical analysis suggests that there are five scenarios of evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) of stockholders and among three of them, enterprises are willing to implement stable tech-upgrading in reality. Through this study, we also found the divergence of CG and LG under the RSA system. The simulation result reveals that: (1) under some given conditions, enterprises will reach ESS with an active response to RSA, whatever the initial value of all stockholders; (2) the supervision from CG and the competitive benefits for local industry is critical to reaching the goal for tech-upgrading, with increased default penalties and incitation can promote LG to implement RSA effectively because the conflict of interest decreases in various stockholders; (3) a better business environment and less protectionist markets are also conducive to achieving the ESS of RSA. According to the results, we further prospect the undergoing RSA policy and give some recommendations to the HFCV industry in China for sustainable development.