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By Mr. Niyomugabo Aimable, Undergraduate Jn.

I appreciate my lab. Group members,Fatima Aliyu Muhammed and Nwagbo Chimdinma their

support in Running biodiesel experiments

A. Introduction

Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind,

rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished). About 16% of

global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10 coming from traditional

biomass, which is mainly used for heating and 3.4 rom hydroelectricity. New renewables

(small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels) accounted for another

3rd are growing very rapidly. The share of renewables in electricity generation is around

19%, with 16% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3 rom new

renewables1.

Many years ago, the world population has been using natural sources of energy. The

exploitation of energies was based on cutting trees for domestic combustions, using sun

energy directly like during drying and use of fuel oil for engines. This was not a good idea for

the global economy and human life, since natural energy will be completely finished or the

burn of fuel would emit toxic gas in atmosphere. Researches went on to find durable sources

of energies and renewable ones. The reason was that global population increases day to day

and the demand in energy also increases. From that reason, there have been strong

exploitation of non-renewable energy and it caused a significant loss of forests, some oil

Wells went beneath completion, desertification problems and production of tons of

greenhouse effect gases. Those were not justifiable sources of energy; this was the need of

more energy from losing life. However, renewable energy was the only way to build a strong

future, the world with good climate, favorable weathers and every generation would inherit

the generation to come.

B. Overview of account in renewable energy in the world

In 30 years’ time, the requirement of global energy will be high due to the worlds demand of

energy will increase with 60% than now by the international energy agency, IEA (2006).

More than to-third of this demand will be around the India, China and the advance economies

which will report the half of the energy needed by 2030. With present research, the

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availability of energy in countries like Nigeria account for 10,000MW but gives out a section

the amount. However by 2014, Nigeria aims at generating a 20,000MW. With this there will

be a high increase in the world’s energy requirement which will promote the generating

capacity and constructions of new power supplies. Within this present time to 2030, the world

global power will need to account for the sum of 4,800GW given by the IEA. The high

demands will account for the safety of provision, surroundings concerns and the requirement

of long-term steady power cost to be point out through greater deployment of renewable

energy high tech.2

Recently, about 9 forms of renewable energy have been discovered and they are still showing

excellent in secure energy sources. Those renewable energy sources include: Marine energy,

solar energy, Wind power, geothermal energy, Hydro-electrical energy, Nuclear energy,

hydrogen fuel, and anti-matter energy and Biofuel energy2.

C. Recent Renewable Energy sources

C.1. Wind energy

Fig.1 3

Wind power is a source of electricity which is used worldwide, notably in Europe. It is

consisted of generator, wind lades, electrical wires and stock (batteries). The simple process

occurs like when the wind turns the blade turbine, the turbine will generate the mechanical

energy where the generator will convert it into electrical power which is easily used at homes,

and industries.

C.1.1. Wind power advantages and disadvantages

Wind power does not emit greenhouse gases, it is low cost economically. Sound effect on

nearby population can be one of disadvantage, although some wind installation are fur the

houses.

Generally, Wind is cheap; it doesn’t ask high installation method for production. Only natural

wind can be used and capture it kinetic energy through turbine blades, convert it into

electrical power.

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C.1.2. Production of wind energy.

Wind energy depends on the wind speed, physical condition of air and size of blades (swept

area)

The formula for wind power calculation is:

Power = density of air x swept area x velocity cubed /2, P = ½*ρ*A*V3; where, P is power

in watts (W)

ρ is the air density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3), A is the swept rotor area in square

meters (m2)

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C.2. Hydrogen fuel

Hydrogen is a natural element which is abundantly fund in natural in combined form, like in

water molecules, in petroleum oil and most organic matters. Hydrogen itself is a combustible

substance and it releases a high amount of energy in a process so called combustion under

oxygen.

Researches have gone beyond, and discovered the hydrogen as fuel cell. According to U.S

department of energy, Hydrogen is versatile energy caries and Fuel cells directly convert the

chemical energy in hydrogen to electricity, with pure water and potentially useful heat as the

only byproducts. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are not only pollution-free, but also can have

more than two times the efficiency of traditional combustion technologies. The produced

energy in fuel cell conventional engine is about 60% compared to 20% of deficient in

conventional gasoline engine.5

Fig.2

Equation: 2H2 4H+ +4é at negative electrode.

The motion of electrons will create electrical current. The oxygen is released towards positive

electrode to meet H+ ions: O2 (g) + 4H+ +4é 2H2O ( 6 )

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C.3. Biofuel Energy

Biofuel is a type of fuel whose energy is derived from biological carbon fixation. This kind of

fuel includes fuel derived from biomass conversion, solid biomass, liquid fuels and several

biogases. Fossil fuels are different from renewable biofuels because of they are originated

from ancient carbon decomposition and contain carbon that had been formed out of the

normal carbon cycle for many years. Biofuels showed a positive impact on social life and

scientific attention in term of increasing energy security, low greenhouse gases emission

compared to fossil fuels, and increasing the wealth of the nations7. The common biofuels are

biogas and biodiesel.

C.3.1. Biogas

Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in

the absence of oxygen (anaerobic decomposition). Organic waste also called biomass such as

dead plant and animal material, animal feces, and kitchen waste can be converted into a

gaseous called biogas.

Digester is used in anaerobic fermentation of biomass

Fig.3 fig.4

Biogas which is produced from anaerobic decomposition of matter is a mixture of various

gases. According to Kestutis NAVICKAS; from Department of Agro-energetics

Lithuanian University of Agriculture the analysis found that biogas is formed by methane of

55-80% carbon dioxide 15-45%, H2S and NH3.

Table1

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Component Dimension Content

CH4 % 55-80

CO2 % 15-45

H2S mg/m3 0-5000

NH3 mg/m3 0-450

Humidity - Saturated

Caloric value MJ/m3 20-25

Caloric value KWh/m3 5.5-8.0

C.3.1.1. Advantage and disadvantages of biogas

Biogas project is a very important in energy providing source in schools, universities and

domestic uses, and it is easy to implement and is cost less. The waste material can be used

instead of being exposed in the nature. The overflow products of digester are used as

fertilizers in farms. The use of biogas as source of energy reduces greenhouse gases in

atmosphere. However, uncontrolled digester can cause accident and pollute the environment.

In addition, biogas can be used to generate electricity; the following is the common picture of

transformation in some form of energy.

Biogas Energy conversion diagram

Fig.5

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C.3.2. Biodiesel

C.3.2.0. introduction

According to Vicente et al (2007), Biodiesel is defined as a mono- alky esters of long chain

of fatty acid derived from either vegetable oil or animals’ fat. Biodiesel has been found to be

a good substitute of fossil fuel because it has as same physical and chemical as properties

fossil fuel especially when they are producing energy in engines.

After visualization of diesel engine in the ninetieth century, Dr. Rudolph Diesel carried out an

experiment of making biodiesel from vegetable oil. This is because vegetable oils contain

high viscosity and low volatility and hence cannot be used as fuels in diesel engine. So,

converting vegetable oils into bio-diesel was seen as the best solution to this problem because

biodiesel has low viscosity, high volatility (Paugazhabadivu et al., 2005). The use of

biodiesel in energy production reduces smoke emissions by 60 %, carbon dioxide gases and

other hydrocarbons by 50% and nitrogen oxide gases by 80 % (Ding et al, 2012).

Additionally, due to its high flash point, biodiesel is easily handled than petro-diesel because

the higher the flask point is, the lower the liability of explosion it becomes. (Okoro, 2011).

Biodiesel is produced through trans-esterification reaction between oils and methanol in

presence of alkali (NaOH or KOH) as show the equation below.

In the process, there is formation of methoxide resulting from reaction of methanol and alkali

(KOH or NaOH). After preparing this solution, oil is then mixed with methanol-alkali

solution in order to produce mono- alky ester of long chain of fatty acid which is called bio-

diesel.8

C.3.2.1. Abstract

Our experiment work was carried out in laboratory in order to synthesis and

studies some physical and chemical properties of biodiesel, which include boiling point,

viscosity, heat value, and density and IR spectrometer comparison. Biodiesel from fresh

cooking oil was prepared by using 200ml of oil and about 185ml was obtained as pure

biodiesel. The implication is that efficiency was relatively equal to 93% after comparing our

starting materials and final product. We determined heat value and we found that one liter of

biodiesel can be burned and produces 10021.24KJ as Net Heat Value and Gross Heat Value

was 11917.55KJ/L(net heat value plus vaporization heat). The value of density of biodiesel

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was 0.83g/cm3 compared to 0.945g/cm

3 of fresh vegetable oil. The boiling was 200

oC and

viscosity of 5.3cm/s at 40oC.

C.3.2.2. Material and processes4

C.3.2.2.I. Materials

• Vegetable oil

• Methanol 99%

• Finely ground

anhydrous sodium

hydroxide

• Stirring plate

• Hot plate s

• Balance

• Thermometer

• Centrifuge

• Centrifuge tubes

• Stir bar

• 250 mL Erlenmeyer

flask

• 100 mL graduated

cylinder

• 20 mL graduated

cylinder

• 100 mL beaker

C.3.2.2.II. Procedure

i. 0.7 g of finely ground anhydrous NaOH

was weighed,

ii. 40 mL of pure (99% or higher purity)

methanol was mixed with NaOH in

beaker,

iii. 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask and was

prepared,

iv. The Erlenmeyer flask was placed in a

well-ventilated location (hood),

V. Stirred vigorously until all of the NaOH

is dissolved

• At this point the beaker now contains

sodium methoxide. This is an extremely

strong

Base and should be handled with care.

Vi. 200ml mL of vegetable fresh oil was

measured and warmed until 60oC

vii. The methoxide solution was added to

warmed oil into Erlenmeyer flask

viii. Continually stir for 25-30 minutes

ix. At first the mixture became cloudy, and

soon separated into two layers. The

reaction was left to continue

x. The reaction mixture was then

centrifuged to speed the separation of the

biodiesel from the Glycerin.

xi. The separation was done at least for 1

hr. after the trans-esterification reaction

was

Initiated

xii. The biodiesel was washed by using

warm water; it was done three times within

2 day.

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xiii. The viscosity was determined by

using viscometer,

xiv. The heat value was determined by

adding a sample of our biodiesel in organic

element analyser.

Table2. Reactants

Compound Amount Mw(g/mol) D(g/cm3)

NaOH 0.7g 40 -

Methanol 40ml 32 -

Oil 200ml - 0.945

Table3. Products

Compound B.P VESCO(cm/s) Heat value

(Kj/L)

Density Vol.(ml)

Biodiesel 200oC 5.3 at 40

oC 10021.24 0.83g/cm3 185

Glycerol - - - 45.3

C.3.2.3. Data analysis and discuss

The biodiesel which was produced from vegetable fresh oil was centrifuged and was washed

with distilled water three thing, this was done for removing completely glycerol and other

impurities. The output is really 100% due to some part of oil which is being used in formation

of glycerol and some unreacted compound which were removed during washing process.

According to Infrared Radiation spectrometer, the majors component of biodiesel were the

function group R- and

-COO as a component of ester function group.

C.3.2.4. Viscosity

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to

(oC)

Time1/s Time2/s Aver./s Viscos(mm2/s)

30 2.2 3.24 2.7 7.1

35 1.9 2.77 2.33 6.1

40 1.32 2.70 2.03 5.31

45 1.14 1.5 1.35 3.52

50 1.17 1.2 1.18 3.1

Table4

Viscosity is temperature dependent; it varies with temperature as the data show it in tab4. The

time required coving the same distance decreases as the temperature increase; we can say

temperature is inversely proportional to time. Distance is constant so Viscos=Kt (mm2/s) K is

constant which depend on the viscometer tube. When the temperature of fluid; our case of

“biodiesel’’ is increased, the molecules acquire energy and are free to move at high velocity

which implies the change in mobility, therefore the viscosity decreases.

C.3.2.5. Advantages of biodiesel [1-2]

Renewable fuel which is obtained from vegetable oils or animal fats,

Environmental friendly compared to in comparison with diesel fuel (no emission of toxic

gases; CO2, SO2…),

It degrades more rapidly than diesel fuel, minimizing the environmental consequences of

biofuel spills.

Higher flash point (100C minimum), with make it to be less flammable and low accident

which can be caused by transport condition or heat.

6. Disadvantages of biodiesel

-Lowe heat value,

-High freezing point which make it to be transported in cold period.

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However, these disadvantages can be minimized by mixing biodiesel with diesel

from fuel. The mixture will perform well depending on the % ratio of biodiesel to

fuel-diesel.

C.4. Geothermal energy

It is believed that the universal population estimated will multiply at the end of

the 21st century. However, only few individuals are aware of modern renewable energy. Only

with the help of knowledge and improving the wellbeing of people and living standard could

help the individuals on its usage and have funds for it. Energy is part of our everyday life

(WEC, 1993). Energy could be used in many ways like production of countries capital and

life usage. In present situation, the highest point of fossil fuel usage has passed, but gas and

oils are still the main source of energy (Nakicenovic et al. 1998). Hydroelectricity and old

biomass covers 18% amount of energy supply in the world. And only 2% of renewable

energy supplies energy to the present world. This energy includes geothermal, wind, biogas

etc.11

Geothermal energy is a source of energy derived from the heat in the earth crust. It is

a form of renewable energy gotten form hot molten magma under hot rocks and underground

shallow water. Heat is being produced from this molten magma that is formed from death

materials like potassium and uranium. Furthermore, geothermal energy requires high amount

of heat which will help in transforming steam into useful energy. This form of energy reduces

the emission of C02 and CO to the environment due to its ability to absorb the greenhouse

gases. Also it helps in reducing 20% of the environmental temperature and ozone depletion.

C.4.1. Benefit to Human of Geothermal Energy

About 64countries over the world makes use of geothermal energy in carrying

daily activities. In a country like Iceland 50% of their energy comes from geothermal source

and the other 50% from oil, coal and hydropower. Geothermal energy could also service a

greenhouse in industries, snow melting, bathing and fish farming (Ragnarsson, 2000). It also

helps in the excellent of peoples’ life extensively. In addition, the contaminated fuels service

as transport sectors in powering trucks, ships etc. This form of energy is also used in pipeline

water transmissions which are steel by rock wool. When the temperature drops, the heat from

the geothermal power heats the pipe and water is being distributed to villages, farms and

communities. Africa, on the other hand, geothermal energy will help in reducing the

temperature of the environment. Especially in the Sahara region where there is low moisture.

In countries’ like China, geothermal energy improved the growth and development of the

country.

C.4.2. Effects of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy contains different amount of gases which include nitrogen and

carbon dioxide with some hydrogen sulfide and particles of ammonia, mercury and boron.

These compounds are being disposed in water bodies and the water becomes contaminated.

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The compounds are not that harmful depending on the type of geothermal energy and gas

concentration present. But however, life for aquatic animals will be difficult due to absent of

oxygen.12

C.4.3. Advantages of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy does not emit greenhouse gases.

It requires small land for construction.

Geothermal energy powers itself with the use of heat or steam.

It helps in reducing the temperature of the environment.

In some countries geothermal energy could reduce individuals’ tax due to the ability of not

polluting the environment.

C.4.4. Disadvantages of geothermal energy

-Geothermal power plant is very expensive to construct.

-It takes time and years to site location for the power plant, -

Drilling problems, sometimes, and bedrocks could be so hard that it’s impossible to drill.

Mostly situated in remote areas where there is no civilization and finds it difficult to find

power fig.6

Mot geothermal energy requires cold water so as to cool the steam before transforming it

back down.

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Fig.7 13

C.5. Solar energy

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy which is more accessible and friendly to the

climate. It does not require high spend in installation.

Normally the sun radiation contain energy, by the technology, the energy can be easily

extracted by using solar corrector. The amount of solar radiation which is absorbed depends

on the radiation angle (the angle at which the ray falls on the solar collector) and at a certain

optimum angle, there is maximum collection of energy. Also the amount of energy is

proportional to the surface of collector. The intensity of radiation is measure as the power

extracted on one meter square (m2)10

The transformation of solar energy into chemical energy is also involved, where heat is

received and converted into chemical energy and stored in batteries, where it will be debited

to be used in home, hospital, schools and other economics places.

Solar panel

Fig.8

D. Conclusion

A renewable energy source is the main root for speeding global economy while reducing the

pollution. There are many viable alternate sources of energy that we could use to supply our

energy needs other than fossil fuels and coal which are marine energy, solar energy, Wind

power, geothermal energy, hydro-electrical energy, nuclear energy, hydrogen fuel, and anti-

matter energy and Biofuel energy. If global warming becomes a serious challenge, then we

need to make a dramatic change to our energy infrastructure, so that we may control global

carbon emissions. As renewable energy sources emerge as a dominant contributor to future

energy supplies. What the world need today is a source of energy which has positive impact

on the environment (environment friendly energy source) and economically has a high

efficient.

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References

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Fig.8 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Solar_panels_in_Ogiinuur.jpg