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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
2. http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/04/03/energy-ecology/earth-wind-and-fire-recent-advances-in-green-energy-tech/ http://top10.me/top-10-renewable-energy-sources/rupertbooth http://www.renewables-in-school.eu/worksBiogas.htm#0 2 http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.com/2012/04/top-10-technology-advances-in-renewable.html Physical Review & Research International 2(1): 1-21, 2012 SCIENCEDOMAIN international. B. A. Adelekan; Federal College of Agriculture Ibadan, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR&T). http://www.sciencedomain.org 3. Figure 1 http://exploringgreentechnology.com/images/wind-energy-diagram.gif 4.http://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/wind_electricity_generation.pdf 5. http://www.hydrogenandfuelcells.energy.gov 6. http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/media/1838763/fuel_cells_and_hydrogen_in_norway.pdf 7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Community created content http://www.renewables-in-school.eu/worksBiogas.htm#0 [2-3] 1. Knothe G, Dunn RO, Bagby MO (1997) Biodiesel: the use of vegetable oils and their derivatives as alternative diesel fuels. In: Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass, 1st edn. American Chemical Society, New York 2. Van Gerpen J, Shanks B, Pruszko R, Clements D, Knothe G (2004) Biodiesel production technology. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NRRL/SR-510-36244 24 2 Introduction to Biodiesel Production. 8. Addison, K. (2007, October 6). The Biodisel Bible. Journey To Forever, 8. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html#3choices Hossain, A., & Mekhled, M. (2010). Biodiesel fuel production from waste canola cooking oil as sustainable energy and. Australian Journal of Crop Science, 7, 543-549. 10. Pavlova, i 2013, 'solar potential at an optimum angle of plane inclination for the city of varna', Acta Technica Corvininesis - Bulletin Of Engineering, 6, 4, pp. 109-112, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 6 November 2013. 11,12 and 13; Burger, J., & Gochfeld, M. (2012). A Conceptual Framework Evaluating Ecological Footprints and Monitoring Renewable Energy: Wind, Solar, Hydro, and Geothermal. Energy & Power Engineering, 4(4), 303-314. doi:10.4236/epe.2012.44040 WEC (1993). Energy for Tomorrow’s World, St. Martin’s Press, USA, pp. 320. -Nakicenovic, N., A. Grübler, and A. McDonald, (editors) 1998. Global Energy Perspectives, Cambridge Univ. Press, 299 p. -Ragnarsson, A., (2000). Geothermal Development in Iceland 1995-1999. WGC2000,CD-ROM, p. 363-375. Þórir M. Wardum VIA University Horsens. (2010). Geothermal Energy Dissertation 7. Semester, p. 26. - 35 http://www.clean‐energy‐ideas.com/articles/advantages_of_geothermal_energy.html 36 http://www.clean‐energy‐ideas.com/articles/disadvantages_of_geothermal_energy.html
Fig.8 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Solar_panels_in_Ogiinuur.jpg
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