Experimental Studies of Utilization of Biogas with Biodiesel in Diesel Engine Generator for Electricity Generation
Abstract
With the rising population worldwide, energy consumption has been increased in the last few decades. To fulfill this energy consumption demand more inclination is towards conventional coal or thermal sources of energy generation. With their continuous use they will not be available in future for long time. In order to meet this increasing energy demand and supply of fuel, renewable energy sources are found to be the best alternatives. The biogas is one of the sources of renewable energy, consisting of approximately 55-60 % of methane which can be burned to produce heat and electricity, and many other operations using an internal combustion engine, for the conversion of biogas into both electricity and heat. The harmful emissions from burning of methane are reduced and keep the environment clean. In this paper performance and emission characteristics of IC engine using blends of rice bran oil and its bio-diesel with biogas as fuel in normal mode of operation under different engine test conditions are studied and discussed.
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Introduction
Electricity is the most important form of energy and it plays a significant role in economical growth of any developing country. Since decades increase in global dependence on fossil fuels has led to the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. To reduce the affect of GHG, alternative fuels are the best option to use for transportation and power generation applications. In the present scenario, use of biomass-derived biogas is more promising fuel for rural electrical power generation and is addressing technique for controlling emissions levels. Biogas consists of mainly 55-60 % of methane which can be burned to produce heat and electricity, and many other operations using an internal combustion engine, for the conversion of biogas into both electricity and heat [1]. Methane and electric power formed in anaerobic digestion facilities may be used to replace energy derived from fossil fuels, thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, since the carbon in biodegradable material is a component of a carbon cycle[2]. Producing the renewable energy in decentralized mode is one of the ways to fulfill the rural and small scale energy needs in a reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable way [3].Biogas is best suited for developing decentralized power plants to fulfill the energy needs of rural and remote areas. Biodiesels obtained from vegetable oils present an alternative to diesel oil since biodiesels have many advantages when compared to fossil fuels. Biofuels as a source of fuel are capable of reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and pollution caused by them; therefore to reduce the affect of GHG emissions and to fulfill the energy demands these can be the best alternative fuels [4]. Use of biofuels such as liquid fuels (oil methyl ester) and gaseous fuel (biogas) in an internal combustion (IC) engine for various applications proves more promising. Excess electricity may be sold to suppliers or place into the native grid. The amount of inorganic matter not converted into biogas is called digestate and is economical and slurry which can be used as organic manure as an agricultural fertilizer [5].
Conclusion
From this experiment, it has been concluded that biogas is a renewable fuel, which can be used in dual-fuel mode in the diesel engine without any changes to an IC engine for power generation at remote areas. When compared at equal power output situation, the dual fuel engine (biodiesel-Biogas) performance is better than neat diesel. In this set up, diesel engine performance were experimentally investigated and the following conclusions may be drawn:
1) The use of biogas and biodiesel in dual fuel mode in diesel engines has not only reduced the consumption of diesel but also protect environment and human health.
2) The CO2 emission in the dual fuel mode has been reduced when compared to neat diesel.
3) Carbon monoxide decreases with increase in Rice bran oil methyl ester and biogas in fuel.
4) The dual fuel mode with biogas flow rate of 3kg/hr for various load has been experimentally performed and studied in detail