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Introduction:
Biodiesel: A form of diesel fuel produced from vegetable oils such as oils from peanuts, soy
beans, canola/rape seeds, hemp seeds and some grains, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is a safe alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel, as it is biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than petroleum diesel and zero sulfur emissions. More specifically, biodiesel refers to plant-derived diesel that has been subjected to the process of transesterification.
Internal Combustion
The diesel engine of an automobile like any other uses an internal combustion engine for conversion of a particular fuel (gasoline or diesel) from chemical energy to mechanical energy. However, internal combustion engines fall into two operating categories called the Otto cycle and the Diesel cycle. The biodiesel engine uses an internal combustion engine that follows the diesel cycle system. In an internal combustion engine, combustion of a particular fuel (gasoline or diesel) takes place in a combustion chamber where high-temperature and high-pressure gases are released and applied as force to move the pistons of the engine. As the pistons move back and forth (linear motion), chemical energy is being transformed into useful mechanical energy. Figure 1: A diesel engine
Technical terms defined Diesel cycle: It is similar to the Otto cycle for most of cars that use gasoline as a fuel except
it uses diesel and not gasoline, and it combines the compression (of the diesel) and combustion stroke in one.
Pistons: Component in the combustion chamber that moves to transfer force from the
chamber to the crankshaft. It moves as a result of the chemical to mechanical energy conversion process.
Crankshaft: A single long piece of metal that rotates in a circular motion and causes the
wheels of a car to move. Figure 2: Combustion Process Illustrated
Conclusion:
Biodiesel has a lot of benefits, especially to the environment. Notwithstanding, there are less than adequate factors that support it in the energy industry. Before most consumers consider it as a viable option, auto makers ought to show support for the alternative fuel by creating warranties for grades beyond just the B5. Also, government policies should be put in place to support research for new technological developments for better durability in its engines. All the factors that currently oppose the use of biodiesel in today`s energy industry culminate in the high cost of using the technology.
References:
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/powert.html http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/biodiesel.shtml http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/nitro-car-engine.html
http://www.noendpress.com/caleb/biodiesel/ http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/20030804a1.asp
Images:
Figure 1 http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/nitro-car-engine.html
Figure 2 http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/combst1.html Figure 3 http://www.noendpress.com/caleb/biodiesel/