A study of hydrogen as an alternative fuel

ABSTRACT

As oil prices increase, the interest in alternative fuels increases. This is evidenced by demonstration programmes and commitments by states such as India. The concern of the air quality in many areas around the world makes ?nding solutions more urgent. As the price of oil increases, alternate fuels become more ruthless. Major questions remain to be answered on which fuel or fuels will emerge and to what extent alternative sources will replace gasoline as the main product of crude oil. A combination of available alternative fuels will evolve with the most likely choices affected by a number of technical, political and market factors. In order to allow a wider application of alternative fuels, a number of obstacles have to be overcome. These include economic, technological, and infrastructural issues. In the past, gasoline has been plentiful and has had a signi?cant price advantage compared to other fuels. This could change quickly and alternative fuels would need to become more commonplace. One of the alternatives involves the more widespread use of biomass-produced fuels. In this paper describes that hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Hydrogen powered fuel cells could have wide applications, replacing batteries in many portable application, vehicle and using hydrogen for home electrical needs.     

Experimental investigation of performance and emissions characteristics on single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine with PSZ coating using radish biodiesel

ABSTRACT

It has been determined that world oil production is likely to level off very shortly and that alternative fuels will have to meet the demands of an increasing energy crisis. The crude oil price is continuing to increase; at the same time the need of energy is also increasing rapidly. So there is an urgent need to switch to some other fuels which could replace petrol and diesel in order to produce energy. An eco-friendly alternative is required to fulfil the growing demand. This project highlights our work on alternate fuels and the importance of choosing radish seed as one such alternative. The aim of this study is the experimental investigation of performance and emissions on a single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine with a coating. Diesel, B25, B50, B75 and B100 are used as fuels. The engine cylinder head, valves and piston crown are coated with 100 micron of nickel-chrome-aluminium bond coat and 450 micron of partially stabilised zirconia by the atmospheric plasma spray method [Ravikumar and Senthilkumar (2013). “Reduction of NOx Emission on NiCrAl-Titanium Oxide Coated Direct Injection Diesel Engine Fuelled with Radish (Raphanus sativus) Biodiesel.” Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy 5 (6): 063121]. Further, by using radish biodiesel and its blends, the emission and performance characteristics are checked and a suitable blend is selected.     

Emission characteristics of neat rapeseed oil fuel in diesel engine

Studies show that the combustion of fossil fuel is the main cause of increasing global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which is the cause of the greenhouse effect. This has promoted increased research world-wide in a bid to source a greener alternative fuel substitute for conventional fossil fuel. Biofuel appears to be an alternative energy source for diesel engines. Although the combustion of biofuels produces CO₂, the same quantity is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, hence CO₂ levels are kept in balance. The sulphur content of plant fuels is also low and less than 0.01% by weight compared to 0.05% by weight for diesel fuel. The effect of acid rain is therefore reduced or ameliorated. High viscosity is one of the major problems relating to the direct use of neat vegetable oils as fuels. One method of reducing viscosity is by blending with a low viscosity and volatile fuel. This paper investigates the emission characteristics of neat rapeseed oil and its blend with diesel fuel in a single cylinder unmodified diesel engine. Tests were also conducted on pure diesel fuel so that a comparative assessment could be made. Test results showed reduced hydrocarbon (HC) emissions when running on biofuels. The CO production was higher when running on biofuel at high engine speed and was significantly reduced at low speed operations. The CO₂ emissions were similar for all fuels. The analyses of lubrication oil after the runs on plant fuels showed a net reduction in viscosity.     

Effect of nano-fuel additive on performance and emission characteristics of the diesel engine using biodiesel blends with diesel fuel

ABSTRACT

Biodiesel as an alternative source of petroleum fuel could reduce the dependence on petroleum products and control pollution problems. These biofuels are derived from various sources and if directly used in the engine it will not completely burn and will cause an increase in the emission level. In this experiment, 20% of rubber seed oil (B20) blended with pure diesel fuel along with aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) was used in the proportions of 10?, 20 and 30?ppm. The obtained experimental results showed that the brake thermal efficiency was increased and the engine emission was reduced. And the brake-specific fuel consumption was reduced, but the NO_x level increased at the proportion level at 10?ppm of nano additives. This experiment has been carried out in a single cylinder water-cooled engine connected to an electrical dynamometer without engine modification and the injection pressure and timings were maintained at the standard level designed for the engine. The dynamic energy of aluminium oxide blend with the biodiesel improved the combustion characteristics in the engine, and caused a reduction in carbon deposits by 44.8% in the cylinder wall.     

Economic assessment of CO2 emissions savings in Spain associated with the use of biofuels for the transport sector in 2010

This article provides an economic assessment of greenhouse gas emissions savings associated with the use of biofuels for the transportation sector in Spain. The reference year used is 2010 in accordance with the target for the implementation of biofuels and other renewable fuels set down in European legislation (Directive 2003/30). The assessment is based on the premise that an increased use of biofuel will displace a similar amount of fossil fuel on a BTU basis, with the amount of biofuel used in 2010 taken as a reference point to conduct the estimates.The results show that the most cost-efficient biofuel is the biodiesel obtained from waste oil. Regarding the differences between first- and second-generation biofuels, the results show that the latter had very high associated costs. Reaching the biofuel target for 2010 by primarily using first-generation used-oil biodiesel blends would have led to a saving of 58°M€. In contrast, reaching this target by exclusively using second-generation biofuels would have led to a 1000 M€ increase in total costs.     

Experimental analysis of DI diesel engine using dual biofuel blended with diesel

ABSTRACT

In recent years, biodiesel has become more attractive as an alternative fuel for diesel engines because of its environmental benefits and the fact is that it is made from renewable resources. The role of biodiesel is not to replace petroleum diesel, biofuels help to improve the economical growth and positive impacts on the environment. The main purpose of this research is to reduce the emission such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_X), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). And to increase the performance characteristics such as break thermal efficiency (BTE), specific fuel consumption (SFC) of diesel engines. Here we used dual biofuel (lemongrass oil plus mint oil) blended with diesel and cerium oxide is added as an additive and undergone the test of engine performance and emission parameters of diesel. The measuring parameters are BTHE, specific fuel conception, CO₂, CO, NO_x and HC.     

Effects of MgO as an additive in canola oil – an experimental study

ABSTRACT

As the technology is developing, many research works are conducted every day over alternate fuels, and it is very much necessary to preserve the existing petroleum resources for future generations. It is suggested to switch over to an alternate source of energy, which is easily available, renewable as well as environment-friendly. The main objective of this investigation is to describe the use of canola oil with magnesium oxide as nanoadditive and compare it with pure diesel in terms of its performance and emission characteristics. The canola oil biodiesel is produced by using transesterification reaction. The experiment was done by using four different blends (B10, B20, B30 and B40). The experimental results concluded that blend B20 gives good performance when compared to other blends. This study also resulted in another new alternative in the biodiesel category which is environment-friendly.     

The potential role of biofuels within the built environment

For most of man's life on earth the bulk of his energy needs have been met by the combustion of wood. The advent of the Industrial Revolution and the mining of coal in 18th century England led to dependence upon initially fossil, and later fossil and fissile, fuels within the industrialized nations and fuelwood consumption rapidly declined. Biomass (organic plant matter) has, however, continued to provide the main energy supply to the developing world.

With the present day necessity to conserve fossil fuel reserves, particularly oil, renewable biomass energy sources are' once again being examined with everincreasing interest, both in the West and in Communist bloc countries, as well as in the Third World. The potential contribution of biofuels (fuels derived from biomass) within both developed and developing nations is examined, particularly with respect to their utilization within the built environment.     

Experimental investigations on the influence of properties of Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel on performance,combustion, and emission characteristics of a DI diesel engine

The current state of future energy and environmental crises has revitalised the need to find alternative sources of energy due to escalating oil prices and depleting oil reserves. To meet increasing energy requirements, there has been a growing interest in alternative fuels like biodiesel that can become a suitable diesel fuel substitute for compression ignition engine. Biodiesel offers a very promising alternative to diesel fuel, since they are renewable and have similar properties. Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil collected from different restaurants in the Nagapattinam region of South India was converted into methyl esters (biodiesel) by transesterification. Biodiesel produced from C. inophyllum oil was blended with diesel by different volume proportions (25%, 50%, and 75%). Biodiesel and its blends were tested on a direct injection (DI) diesel engine at a constant speed by varying loads from 0% to 100% in steps of 20% to analyse its performance, emission, and combustion characteristics. The results obtained were compared with that of diesel fuel. B25 (27.5%) showed better performance than diesel fuel (26.28%) at full load and B50 showed performances similar to diesel fuel. Smoke density of B25 was slightly (2.6%) higher than that of diesel at full load conditions. At full load, measured carbon monoxide emissions for B25 and B50 were 4% lower than that of diesel. Hydrocarbon emissions for B25 and B100 were 5.37% and 25.8% higher than that of diesel, respectively. Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) emission was lower for all biodiesel blends. NO_x emissions of B100 and B75 were lower than that of diesel by 22.16% and 13.29% at full load, respectively. Combustion profile was smoother, and no knocking problem was observed while operating with biodiesel blends. B75 produced peak cylinder pressure.     

A study on environmental impact of nanofluid-based concentrating solar water heating system

The rising cost of fossil fuels and the growing concern for a clean environment have paved the way for adoption of renewable and sustainable sources of energy. Domestic water heating can result from solar energy, a clean and renewable alternative, which can at the same time help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper examines the potential of the nanofluid-based concentrating solar water heating system (NCSWHS) as an alternative to systems based on fossil fuels. The paper reports a quantitative assessment to assess the potential environmental benefits which could be obtained from NCSWHS if substituted for those using fossil fuels. The analysis reveals that considerable emission reductions (about 2.2 x 10³ kg of CO₂/household/ year) and fuel savings can be achieved if the NCSWHS are adopted.     

Effect of temperature on the biodiesel yield from Nigerian physic nut,castor bean,dika nut and sandbox seed oils

Biodiesel fuels were synthesised from Nigerian physic nut seed (Jatropha curcas), castor bean seed (Ricinus communis), dika nut (Irvingia gabonensis) and sandbox seed (Hura crepitans) oil. The direct base-catalysed transestetification process was employed in the biodiesel production using methanol and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as alcohol and catalyst, respectively. The trans esterification process involved 500 ml of J. curcas, castor bean seed, dika nut and sandbox seed oils, 100 ml of methanol and 1.0% of NaOH by weight for each oil. The process was carried out at different reaction temperatures in order to examine the effect of temperature on biodiesel yield of the oils. An average maximum biodiesel yield of 89.00% at 50°C, 61.50% at 45°C, 74.33% at 50°C and 88.50% at 55°C were obtained for Jatropha, castor, dika nut and sandbox oils, respectively. The result showed that the biodiesel yield from the various oils increased with temperature up to certain points beyond which it decreased.     

Effect of the addition of 1-pentanol on engine performance and emission characteristics of diesel and biodiesel fuelled single cylinder diesel engine

ABSTRACT

Bioalcohols have recently become one of the promising alternate fuels. Lower alcohols exhibit some problems like phase separation, stability issues, storage problems, corrosion etc. Hence, the addition of higher alcohols is regarded least-problematic and the concept of using higher alcohols as fuel blends is relatively new. In this article, the effects of the addition of higher alcohol (1-pentanol) on engine performance and emission characteristics are discussed. Two reference fuels (diesel and biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil) and two test fuels (blends of 20% of 1-pentanol and 80% of either diesel or biodiesel) are tested in a single cylinder compression ignition diesel engine for six load conditions (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20?kg) at a constant speed of 1200?rpm. The engine performance and emission characteristics are determined and discussed.     

Performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fuelled by neem oil blended with alcohols

Fuel crisis and environmental concerns have led researchers to look for alternative fuels of bio-origin sources such as vegetable oils, which can be produced from forests and oil-bearing biomass materials. Vegetable oils have energy content comparable to that of diesel fuel. Straight vegetable oils posed several operational problems and durability problems when subjected to long-term usage in compression ignition engine. These problems are attributed to higher viscosity and lower volatility. In this study, performance and emission parameters of a diesel engine operating on neem oil and its blends of 5, 10, 15 and 20?vol% with ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol and 1-pentanol are evaluated and compared with diesel operation. The results indicate that the brake thermal efficiency is improved with the use of neem oil–alcohol blends with respect to those of neat neem oil. The smoke intensity, CO and HC emissions with neem oil–alcohol blends are observed to be lower with respect to those of neat neem oil at higher loads. The NO _x emission is very slightly reduced with the use of neem oil–alcohol blends except for the neem oil–ethanol blend compared with that of neat neem oil.     

Experimental investigation on the performance and emission characteristics of CI engine using waste cotton seed biodiesel with ZNO as a fuel additive

ABSTRACT

The energy crisis created by depletion of fossil fuels and the toxic emissions from the fossil fuel demands for eco-friendly potential alternative sources of energy. Even though unclean, biodiesel is found to be a potential alternative for the fossil fuels. In the present work, the emission characteristics and performance of biodiesel blend with and without ZNO additive was studied. There are four biodiesel blends studied in the first part of the research and found that the B25 combination gives a better result compared to others; therefore, this blend is tested with three proportion of ZNO additive in the second part of the research. The addition of 125?PPM of ZNO to the selected B25 blends gives a better performance, the efficiency improvement is found to be 4.2% and the emission of NO_x is by 10.3% under full load condition.     

Renewable energy scenario in Telangana

ABSTRACT

This article presents an analysis of the current situation of renewable energy in Telangana, India, and predicts the future of renewable energy resources in the state. In India, maximum power is generated using conventional energy sources such as coal and mineral oil. They highly pollute the atmosphere. If new power plants are to be set up, then the import of highly volatile fossil fuels is inevitable. Though nuclear energy is a good alternative to reduce fossil fuel consumption, it is equally hazardous to human life. Hence, the energy world should think of judicious use of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, ocean, biomass, and geothermal energy. The R&D activities carried out in India in the past three decades have shown good progress in finding a feasible solution to the problem of searching new renewable energy resources. Telangana is the state committed to use the renewable resources in a better way to fulfil its electrical energy needs. This article also analyses the current energy needs of the state and forecasts energy consumption and production in the future with the aim of finding whether the state can continue on the path of development and augment its renewable energy resources.     

Prospects of non-edible neem (Azadirachta indica) oil in Bangladesh: performance and emission evaluation in a direct injection diesel engine

Transition to alternative energy is receiving serious attention globally and in this very way, biodiesel from inedible neem can be an alternative to conventional liquid fuels as it contains 30–45%?wt of oil. In this study, esterification and transesterification reaction of methanol and triglycerides at a molar ratio of 7:1 was done and maximum 96% by volume biodiesel was extracted. Physiochemical properties of neem biodiesel lies within ASTM standards and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of neem biodiesel reveals the presence of strong esters and the alkane group. The maximum efficiencies were found to be 22.8% and 22.3%, whereas minimum brake specific fuel consumptions were observed to be 0.57 and 0.59?kg/kW-hr for diesel and B20, respectively. Moreover, B20 provides less emission of HC, CO_x and increase in NO_x. Taking all into consideration, if at least 60% of the arid lands is utilised to cultivate neem trees then it will minimise the import of fossil fuel to an extent of 8.75%.     

The feasibility of liquefied biomethane as alternative fuel: a comparison between European and Chinese markets

ABSTRACT

Natural gas is considered the alternative fuel that, in the short-medium term, can best substitute conventional fuels, in order to reduce their environmental impact. The purpose of this paper is to outline the feasibility of liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially from biogas (LBG), as vehicle fuel in Europe and in China. Firstly, the analysis presents the difficulty of methane supply in some regions and the need for feasible ways of producing LNG. For this purpose, biogas recovery and its upgrade are presented as an interesting source to produce such alternative vehicle fuel, being also a renewable source with a reduced environmental impact. Secondly, an economic analysis is performed for a specific European country (Italy): it takes into account technical aspects, costs, the foreseen market price for the new fuel and the necessary incentive policy. The latter aspect has been revealed to cover a major role for the feasibility of such projects.     

Study on the outcome of a cetane improver on the emission characteristics of a diesel engine

ABSTRACT

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a cetane improver, is used as a fuel additive to investigate the exhaust emission in diesel engine. Neem oil biodiesel (B100), neem oil biodiesel + dimethyl carbonate (B100+DMC) and diesel were used as test fuels. DMC is added 0.5% by volume to biodiesel. This research work was executed in a four-stroke, single-cylinder diesel engine. Owing to the percentage of DMC in biodiesel, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were dropped corresponding to diesel. A considerable amount of nitrogen oxide (NO_x) is decreased when diesel is used, and by the addition of B100+DMC, NO_x were slightly reduced compared to B100.     

Experimental investigation of performance,combustion and emission characteristics of CI engine fuelled with chicha oil biodiesel

As the decreasing availability of the fossil fuel is rising day by day, the search of alternate fuel that can be used as a substitute to the conventional fuels is rising rapidly. A new type of biofuel, chicha oil biodiesel, is introduced in this work for the purpose of fuelling diesel engine. Chicha oil was transesterified with methanol using potassium hydroxide as catalyst to obtain chicha oil methyl ester (COME). The calorific value of this biodiesel is lower, when compared to that of diesel. The COME and their blends of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% with diesel were tested in a single cylinder, four stroke, direct injection diesel engine and the performance, combustion and emission results were compared with diesel. The test result indicates that there is a slight increase in brake thermal efficiency and decrease in brake-specific fuel consumption for all blended fuels when compared to that of diesel fuel. The use of biodiesel resulted in lower emissions of CO and HC and increased emissions of CO₂ and NO_x. The experimental results proved that the use of biodiesel (produced from chicha oil) in compression ignition engine is a viable alternative to diesel.