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Making Biodiesel: Why is it your Best Option?

Thursday, January 15th, 2009
biodiesel
M. Markella asked:


You have a lot of options if you want to use alternative bio-fuels to run a diesel engine. You can use only vegetable oils by making some modifications to your diesel engine, or you can use a mix of vegetable oils and other original diesel fuels like petroleum or kerosene. But the best by far option, is to convert fresh or used vegetable oils or even animal fat to biodiesel. This is your best, clean, healthy and environment-friendly option. Let’s cover some of the basics of making biodiesel.

First of all, you don’t have to be involved in the process of making biodiesel. You can just buy biodiesel. You can use it in any diesel engine without any modifications or conversions to the fuel system. There are thousand of biodiesel filling stations in Europe and the United States and their number increases every year. Some countries even mix their original diesel fuels with a small percentage of biodiesel.

If you can’t find any of this alternative bio-fuel then it’s time to start making your own biodiesel. the feeling of freedom you’ll get making your own fuel is just great!

There are a lot of ways and recipes to make your own biodiesel. Some people claim that there are great dangers and risks involved in the process of making biodiesel but the fact is that nobody has yet hurt themselves or anyone else. It’s a safe process, if you’re careful and sensible. Surely you deal with chemicals but these are just common household chemicals sold in every supermarket.

So, if you want to start making biodiesel here are some tips:

- Start with fresh quality vegetable oil. Don’t use used wasted vegetable oil, yet!

- Start by performing lots of tests with small portions of each ingredient. Don’t go for making a tone of Biodiesel, yet!

- Make small steps, learn everything you can about the ingredients you use, about biodiesel in general, about alternative sources of energy and bio-fuels. Learn one step at a time.

Just do it! Thousands of people are already making their own homebrewed biodiesel. If they can do it, you can too.



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3 Reasons to Use Green Energy Right Now

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009
green energy
Max Loodlin asked:


The market of green energy is growing exponentially. More and more people are going green and for good reason. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why you should use green energy right now.

1. Green For The Environment

Using green energy is one of the best ways to help out the environment. Green energy is clean and is renewable which means that it won’t harm the environment and it will never run out. Fossil fuel emissions are slowly killing our planet which is why everyone needs to do their part in keeping our environment healthy. We need to take action now if we want keep our planet a sustainable place to live.

2. Green $$$

Along with helping out the environment, green energy can also save you a ton of cash. At the very minimum, a natural energy source will save you 80% on your energy bill. And this is just within a months time of using a renewable energy source. Not only will your natural energy source have payed for itself within a month, but you will also save you hundreds of dollars. But, even more incredible is the ability to make money off of your green energy source. Since green energy is renewable it has the ability to produce more energy than you actually need. This means you will be able to sell unused energy back to your utility company for a lot of cash.

3. Green Won’t Always Be Cheap

The most important reason why you should go green now instead of waiting is because this market is growing rapidly and is bound to become huge within the next six months. And when this market becomes huge you can expect prices to soar as well. Right now you can make your own green energy source for around $50. How long will this be a realistic price? Not very long. In just a few months this price could easily increase to 3x times the current amount. Green energy will always have the ability to save you money, but when you have to dish out hundreds of dollars it may take a pretty long time.

Want to learn more about the best DIY green energy guide? Click the link below and learn how you can make your own clean energy for less than $50.

http://www.squidoo.com/howtomakenaturalpower



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Alternative Energy Sources

Sunday, January 11th, 2009
hydro fuel
Dr.Badruddin Khan asked:


All living systems require energy to survive. A person requires energy in the form of food. A plant requires energy in the form of sunlight. All mechanical systems also require energy to function. A car needs gasoline to run. A sailboat needs wind to move across the water. Energy, in one form or another, is needed for all living and nonliving activity on the planet. Energy does not actually exist as a thing itself, however. Instead, energy is an idea describing various sources of power. Long ago, humans relied upon the natural systems of the earth to meet their energy needs. Cliff dwellers of the Southwest built their homes to capture the heat of winter sunlight. Ancient Greeks bathed in water warmed by geothermal vents. Humans around the world used wood to cook their meals and warm their homes. The natural systems of the planet met all of these needs.

The pursuit of more powerful and consistent energy sources came about during the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late eighteenth century and continued through the beginning of the nineteenth century. For the first time, humans began burning fossil fuels in great quantities to meet their energy needs. Fossil fuels powered the factories they worked in, the farm equipment needed to produce large crops, and eventually, the cars they drove. It seemed as if fossil fuels were the perfect answer to the need for a quick and efficient form of energy. It was not until the 1970s that serious problems from the use of fossil fuels began to be recognized. Oil-producing countries began to demand more money for their product. Oil-consuming countries, such as the United States, refused to accept these higher costs. Many countries put oil embargoes into place. This drove the cost of fossil fuels higher and higher. This series of events led to an energy crisis. People began to wonder what they would do if the cost of fossil fuels did not decline and, consequently, an interest in alternative energy sources began to develop.

Also, since the energy crisis of the 1970s, scientists have learned more about the environmental impact of fossil fuels. They have linked acid rain to the sulfur dioxide released when fossil fuels are burned. Burning fossil fuels also releases large quantities of carbon dioxide. Scientists have found a connection between the growing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and an increase in global temperatures, referred to as global warming. These discoveries about the effects of fossil fuels have also led to an increased interest in the development of alternative energy sources. Currently, there are four main alternative energy sources being developed and used today: solar power, wind power, hydropower, and geothermal power. These energy sources, called renewable energy, are all powered by the natural systems of the earth. Unlike fossil fuels, they are also continuously replenished by the earth’s natural systems regardless of whether or not they are used. Sunlight will stream down on the planet every day, whether it is captured with solar panels or not. Wind will blow across the land, regardless of turning the rotor of a windmill. Rivers will flow down mountains and geothermal vents will release energy, whether or not their energy is harnessed.

As the resources of the planet are used faster than they are replaced, people are turning to solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy to meet their energy needs. Supporting the use of energy sources that are replenished as fast, or faster, than they are used is helping to create a sustainable energy future. For such changes to happen effectively, however, it will take changes in government policies, more economic support for alternative energy producers, and individual consumers demanding a different choice. These factors will determine the direction of energy production in the coming decades.

 



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Hybrid Cars

Sunday, January 11th, 2009
hydro fuel
Sarah Johns asked:


A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more discrete power sources to propel the vehicle. Common power sources include:

• On-board or out-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a fueled power source (internal combustion engine or fuel cell)

• Air engine and internal combustion engines

• Human powered bicycle with electric motor or gas engine assist

• Human-powered or sail boat with electric power

The term most frequently refers to Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) which comprises internal combustion engines and electric motors.

Early hybrid systems are being examined for trucks and other heavy highway vehicles with a few operational trucks and buses initial to come into use. The chief barrier seem to be smaller fleet sizes and the extra costs of a hybrid system are yet remunerated for by fuel savings, but with the price of oil set to persist on its upward trend, the tipping point might be reached by the end of 2008. Advances in technology and lesser battery cost and higher capacity etc. urbanized in the hybrid car industry are already filtering into truck use as Toyota, Ford, GM and others initiate hybrid pickups and SUVs. Kenworth Truck Company lately introduced a hybrid-electric truck, called the Kenworth T270 Class 6 that for city usage appear to be competitive. FedEx and others are preparatory to invest in hybrid delivery type vehicles—mainly for city use where hybrid technology may pay off first. The U.S. military is inspecting hybrid Humvees and other vehicles.

When the term hybrid vehicle is used, it normally refers to a Hybrid electric vehicle. These cover such vehicles as the AHS2 (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade, and the Saturn Vue), Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and others. A petroleum-electric hybrid normally uses internal combustion engines and electric batteries to control electric motors. There are loads of types of petroleum-electric hybrid drivetrains, from Full hybrid to Mild hybrid, which proffer varying merits and demerits.

While liquid fuel/electric hybrids in the late 1800s, the braking regenerative hybrid was invented by David Arthurs, an electrical engineer from Springdale, Arkansas in 1978-79. His home-converted Opel GT was reported to get as much as 75MPG and plans are still sold to this novel design, and the “Mother Earth News” customized version on their website.

Hybrid fuel (dual mode)

Additionally, vehicles that use two or more different devices for propulsion, some also deem vehicles that use discrete energy sources or input types (”fuels”) using the same engine to be hybrids, even though to avoid confusion with hybrids as described above and to use in the approved manner the terms, these are perhaps more suitably described as dual mode vehicles:

• A few electric trolleybuses can switch between an on board diesel engine and

Overhead electrical power depending on circumstances (see dual mode bus). In principle, this could be pooled with a battery subsystem to create a true plug-in hybrid trolleybus, though as of 2006, no such design seems to have been announced.

• Flexible-fuel vehicles can be able to use an assortment of input fuels (petroleum and biofuels) in one tank — characteristically gasoline and bioethanol or biobutanol, though diesel-biodiesel vehicles would also meet the criteria.

• Dual mode: Liquified petroleum gas and natural gas are diverse from petroleum or diesel and cannot be used in the identical tanks, so it would be unfeasible to build an (LPG or NG) flexible fuel system. As an alternative vehicles are built with two, parallel, fuel systems feeding one engine. While the replicated tanks cost space in some applications, the augmented range and flexibility where (LPG or NG) infrastructure is incomplete may be a noteworthy incentive to purchase.

• Few vehicles have been modified to use another fuel source if it is available, such as cars customized to run on autogas (LPG) and diesels customized to run on waste vegetable oil that has not been processed into biodiesel.

• Power-assist mechanisms for bicycles and additional human-powered vehicles are also integrated.

Fluid power hybrid

Hydraulic and pneumatic hybrid vehicles employ an engine to charge a pressure accumulator to drive the wheels through hydraulic or pneumatic (i.e. compressed air) drive units. The energy recovery rate is elevated and therefore the system is more efficient than battery charged hybrids, demonstrating a 60% to 70% increase in energy economy in EPA testing. Under tests performed by the EPA, a hydraulic hybrid Ford Expedition returned 32 mpg–U.S. (7.35 L/100 km / 38.4 mpg–imp) City, and 22 mpg–U.S. (10.69 L/100 km / 26.4 mpg–imp) highway

The most recent hybrid technology is the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The PHEV is inclusive of a gasoline-electric hybrid whose battery pack (usually Li-ion) is upgraded to a superior capacity, which can be recharged by moreover a battery charger curved into the electrical grid or the gasoline engine (only if required). The car runs on battery power for the first 10 to 60 miles (16–100 km), with the gasoline engine on hand for faster speeding up, etc.

After the battery is almost discharged, the car reverts to the gasoline engine to recharge the battery and/or return the car to the charging station. This may get around the fundamental barrier of battery range that has made nearly all pure electric cars impractical. Fuel rates, in principle, may be as low as 5 cents/mile. It’s not obvious yet whether converting an existing hybrid car will ever pay for itself in fuel savings.

The major problem is finding a good, cheap, high-energy battery pack—the equivalent problem that has plagued the unpolluted electric car. If everyone plugged into the function grid to charge up their car this would seem to be just displacing the gasoline/diesel combustion crisis to the trait coal powered electrical generating plant. But, if cars were recharged tardy at night this would allow the base load of the electrical system to be more capable with a much more even base load and electrical power can also be generated by clean wind, hydro, tide power, etc. while most travel is regarding 30 miles/day this may be the cleanest personal transportation system at present available.

There is a “cottage” conversion industry for owner- existing hybrids, and more than a few huge auto industry groups (GM, Toyota, Mercedes etc.) plus the US Department of Energy are investigating this system. No chief car company (as of late 2007) offers PHEVs yet. The characteristic “cottage” industry conversion car is the Toyota Prius (cost of conversion $5k-$40k), as it is a full hybrid with sufficient power in its electrical system to maintain distinctive city speeds.

Fuel consumption and emissions reductions

The hybrid vehicle characteristically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), ensuing in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are mainly achieved by four elements of a typical hybrid design:

- Recapturing energy generally wasted during braking etc. (regenerative braking) this is a mechanism that condenses vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into a further helpful form of energy, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.

- having important battery storage capacity to store and recycle recaptured energy;

- shutting down the gasoline or diesel engine in traffic stops or while coasting or other idle periods;

- civilizing aerodynamics; A box shaped car or truck has to put forth more force to move through the air causing added stress on the engine making it toil harder. Improving the shape and aerodynamics of a car is a fine way to help better the gas mileage and also get better handling at the same time.

- By means of low rolling resistance tires; (tires these days are made to give a fine, smooth ride but hardly ever is efficiency taken into consideration. These tires cause a great pact of drag, once again making the engine toil harder, intense more gas mileage. Hybrid cars use special tires that are more exaggerated than regular tires and stiffer, which decreases the drag by about half, humanizing fuel economy by mitigating stress of the engine.

- relying on mutually the gasoline (or diesel engine) and the electric motors for peak power requires ensuing in a smaller gasoline or diesel engine sized more for normal usage rather than peak power usage.

These features make a hybrid vehicle chiefly efficient for city traffic where there are recurrent stops, coasting and idling periods. Besides noise emissions are condensed, mainly at idling and low operating speeds, in similarity to conventional gasoline or diesel powered engine vehicles. For constant high speed highway use these features are much less helpful in reducing emissions.



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Hydropower Renewable Energy - Fossil Fuel Replacement

Thursday, January 8th, 2009
hydro fuel
Matthew Hick asked:


Approximately ten percent of energy produced in the United States is from hydropower. In this process, water spins in turbines in generators.

Hydropower is one of the renewable energy sources being researched and implemented to replace fossil fuels, which are in the process of depletion. It does not produce carbon dioxide, as coal power stations do, making it a cleaner, as well as, cheaper alternate way to produce electricity. It is also renewable, with the help of rainwater for replenishment.

The impoundment facility is the most common type of hydropower facilities. A dam is built on a large river or lake to store its water in a reservoir. When water is released from the reservoir through tunnels it flows through a turbine. Since the height of the water behind the walls is so great, the released water goes through the turbine with a great force of energy. As the turbine spins, it sets in motion a generator, which in turn produces electricity. The water then travels back into the stream or river below. Networks of transmission lines and facilities carry the electricity from the generator to users in a form they can use. The Hoover Dam is an illustration of the process just described. When it was initially built, it produced enough electricity for the entire city of Las Vegas. As Las Vegas grew, they turned to other energy sources

The pumped storage hydro plant facility is able to store power. It does so by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during low energy demand periods. When needs increase, the water is released from the upper reservoir back to the lower reservoir for electricity generation.

Hydroelectric plants require a lot of land in order to build a dam and reservoir. This requires a great deal of money, time and construction. There are not many ideal places to put them and most of these have already been taken. The good thing is once constructed; the electricity is free to produce. Due to costs, the tendency will be to put up smaller hydro plants that are more economical.

Hydroelectric plants using dams have a negative effect on the environment. Through the construction of a dam, there is a blockage of the flow from upstream to downstream. This disrupts the migration pattern of fish. Fish can also be killed passing through the turbines. An advantage to hydropower is the ability to control energy release to meet changing demands.

The population is growing and so will its power needs. Fossil fuels are being used up and there will come a time when they will be depleted. We need to turn to renewable energy sources to meet our needs. Natural resources seem to be a natural solution. Hydroelectric plants can meet our power needs without worries of depletion or pollution. It is also the most reliable source available today. Research and development is ongoing to provide a solution to the damage a dam can do. The potential for hydroelectricity is within our grasp and we must find a way to make this work.



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"green Energy Sources" System © - it Really Works!

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
green energy
Jason Gilford asked:




It seems like with “Green Energy Sources” System you get an amazing opportunity to cut these irritating electricity-bills once and for all. You may be surprised but this technique can be implemented quite easily by any novice user. In the following quick article you’ll be able to explore and know more about this creative technology.

Some background

This “Green Energy Sources” System isn’t something that you go and buy in a store - you need to have one of these recommended guides that explain how to assemble Solar-Panels without having to be an expert. Just like everything else in life, some guides deliver and some other don’t; check whether it offers the following: clear information, detailed diagrams, video tutorials, and technical support. Anyway, here are some important benefits and tips that can help you to know a little more about this topic.

What is in it for us?

This solution provides various benefits; here are just a few of them:

* Increases the value of your home by thousands.

* Extremely easy to be implemented by almost anyone.

* Should you create more energy than needed; the power-company will actually pay you!

* Uses natural and clean resources.

* Knowing that we are doing our part to conserve the planet.

Quick tip

Pulling yourself “off the grid” all at once isn’t recommended - do it gradually and slowly, use your new sys. while keeping the ‘Main-Grid’ as backup for possible extreme electricity usage.

Bottom line

“Green Energy Sources” System truly brings outstanding results with a minimal investment on both time and cost. If we go a little further, it wouldn’t be that hard to discover other pluses provided by this remarkable ‘machine’, simply because it is about to change the entire industry forever. Now that we understand how it works the best tip would be to evaluate it as in most cases it will take you no more than a single weekend to have it working.



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Biodiesel Automobile Fuel - Can I Use Biodiesel in My Car?

Sunday, January 4th, 2009
biodiesel
Steve Marsh asked:


I was recently asked by a friend about a Biodiesel conversion for running the fuel in his car. My answer to him was “Drive past the diesel pump and pull up next to the Biodiesel pump. You can use Biodiesel in almost any diesel engine on the planet without modification.”

That being said, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Check first to make sure that your vehicle manufacturer doesn’t prohibit the use of Biodiesel. I don’t know of any that do, but I have been told that Audi’s newer diesels are not suppose to use Biodiesel. Why is beyond me.

My friend has been using almost pure Biodiesel in his Mercedes 240D for over two years with no concerns. Somethings that he did upfront you may want to do and they make sense if you want to guarantee you’ll have no problems.

First, he changed out his fuel filter after the first two full tanks and again about three months later. The reason he did this is because Biodiesel is a better solvent than petroleum diesel. Accumulations of sludge and gunk in your fuel system tend to accumulate in your fuel lines and in your engine.  The Biodiesel will dissolve them and this can clog your filters. A fuel filter or two is not a bad price to pay for a cleaner engine! And by the way, there are no special “biodiesel filters”.

Second, he replaced all the rubber fuel line sections with Viton. This isn’t a consideration in vehicles made since the early nineties but again, a small price to pay if you have an older vehicle. The reason for this is that natural rubber tends to degrade in the presence of Biodiesel and heat. The synthetic ‘rubber’ used in modern vehicles is unaffected.

Finally, during the colder months you will probably want to run a mixture of petroeum diesel and Biodiesel. Biodiesel gels at higher temperatures than regular diesel and in extremely cold weather this could cause starting and drivability problems. If you purchase your Biodiesel it will usually already be blended for your weather, but if you’re burning home made Biodiesel you may need to add a percentage of conventional diesel during the colder months. How much will have to be determined by tial and error on your part.

Can I use biodiesel in my car? The answer is certainly!



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Why You Should Have Your Own Biodiesel Kit

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
biodiesel
Matt Oconnor asked:


If you are looking for a way to save on your fuel costs, it’s time for you to take a look at the different fuel alternatives available for you. Petroleum prices have been steadily growing with oil getting more expensive in the world market. Before you find yourself worrying about the rising prices, it’s very welcome news that there are some alternatives that you can consider to alleviate your fuels expenses.

One of the more promising fuel alternatives available today is biodiesel. Biodiesel is processed fuel that derives from biological sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel as a processed fuel differentiates it from the use of straight vegetable oil or waste vegetable oil as alternative fuels.

Another advantage of biodiesel is that it can be readily used in current diesel engines as a fuel unlike straight vegetable oil fuel which may require the same diesel engines to be modified.

Biodiesel is also seen as an environmentally friendly alternative. It’s both biodegradable and non-toxic. It has low sulfur content and produces fewer particle emissions than your conventional petroleum based diesel fuel.

What’s more, the process of making biodiesel fuel has been extensively developed to a point that it is now possible to produce this alternative fuel right in your own home. There are now biodiesel kits made available to allow you as well as other consumers to make your own biodiesel to use.

If you’re really concerned with trying to bring down your expenses on fuel, investing on a biodiesel kit might be a wise decision. A biodiesel kit is simply a system that you can use to convert waste or straight vegetable oil into an alternative fuel that you can effectively use in your diesel-engined cars.

Most biodiesel kits are portable enough that you can set it up anywhere in your home. But most people prefer to set it up on vacant outdoor space such as a tool shed or just under an overhang.

So why should you buy a biodiesel kit? There are a number of reasons. One is to save money. With a diesel kit, you may be able to make your own alternative fuel which will be able to help you save about two dollars per gallon.

You will be able to produce and make use of cleaner and better quality diesel which can be a benefit to the environment. With biodiesel, you can also make your car engine run better on a cleaner alternative fuel which in turn can also help your car engine run longer. Not only will you be saving on fuel costs, you’re also helping the environment instead on contributing to its demise.

There are more reasons in store that will help you decide in getting your own biodiesel kit. You might be able to produce more biodiesel than you can use and sell it instead to make money.

By producing your own fuel with your own biodiesel kit, you no longer have to rely on oil companies for fuel. You never have to worry about the rising costs of conventional fuel. You can even produce biodiesel as fuel to produce electricity for your home or office. With all of these reasons, you can now look at a biodiesel kit as a worthwhile investment.



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Biodiesel And It’s Many Uses

Friday, January 2nd, 2009
biodiesel
Mike Boyd asked:


With gas prices increasing and growing environmental awareness, the need to consider alternate energy and fuel sources are becoming a necessity. One alternative is the use of Biodiesel fuel, which is becoming more and more popular today.

Because Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel, made from 100% natural, 100% renewable vegetable sources, its uses in today’s society may surprise you. Below are nine ways Biodiesel is being used. Some of which you may never have realized.

1) Biodiesel Car Rental - Yes that’s right. A Maui and Los Angeles car rental rents cars that run on Biodiesel. These cars get between 400 and 800 miles per tank! Not bad when consider the price of gas these days.

2) Home heating fuel - More people are taking a look at Biodiesel as an alternative for heating their home. Most oil-fired or boiler furnaces can use Biodiesel (B20), which is a fuel made of 80 percent traditional heating oil and 20 percent Biodiesel. Some people are getting their furnaces adapted to be able to burn B100, a fuel made entirely of vegetable oils, which burns much cleaner than traditional heating oil.

3) Electricity Generation - Diesel generators that produce electricity are now running on Biodiesel fuel. A superior alternative to the typical coal burning electricity generating plants currently being used in the United States. Running on Biodiesel is an inexpensive, clean and renewable way of creating electricity.

4) Trucking Industry - More and more truckers are switching from diesel fuel to Biodiesel fuel. The benefits are numerous not to mention the advantage of helping the environment and reducing our dependency on foreign oil, while saving money.

5) Agriculture - Not only a producer of Biodiesel, but also a consumer. Tractors, reapers, tillers, pickers, conveyors, generators, pumps, and irrigation systems which normally uses diesel fuel, now use Biodiesel to fuel their work, bringing agriculture full circle from producer to consumer.

6) Marine Vehicles - Commercial fleets such as ferries, recreational yachts, sailboats, and motor boats are all candidates for Biodiesel. For example Pacific Whale Foundation, located in Hawaii, use Biodiesel in their boats.

7) Tax Incentive - The IRS is offering tax incentives to anyone that produce and use Biodiesel fuel. The US Government is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving producers of Biodiesel fuel government funds. The tax incentive works to help tax paying customers by lowering the cost of the fuel bill.

8) Lubrication Additive - Because Biodiesel is a better lubricant than current low-sulfur petroleum, fuel injectors and other types of fuel pumps can rely on Biodiesel fuel for lubrication. With the right additives, engine performance can also be enhanced, making engines last longer. Other numerous applications can also make use of it’s lubricate properties, such as concrete forms and asphalt trucks. Its solvent properties also make it a safe parts cleaner, reducing skin and eye irritation associated with other cleaners.

9) Cleaner Environment - Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by up to 80%. Because of this, Biodiesel has the potential to reduce air toxics and cancer causing compounds. Something we all can live with! If spilled, it will quickly degrade into natural organic residues, without polluting the environment.



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Biodiesel Fuel

Friday, January 2nd, 2009
hydro fuel
David Tanguay asked:


Biodiesel fuel is a form of “green energy for cars.” Although a debate on the pros and cons regarding biodiesel seems to be pretty endless, those advocating it speak quite highly of how fueling your car with biodiesel is a pretty amazing thing.

So, what is biodiesel? “Biodiesel Fuel can be produced from a variety of natural crops including rapeseed, soybean, mustard, flax, sunflower, canola, palm oil, hemp, jatropha and waste vegetable oils. This fuel source is said to reduce engine wear and produce less harmful emissions. Biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel source, but requires engine modifications.”

As stated, biodiesel can be created from numerous different resources. According to AgriFuels, “the oil and fats used to produce biodiesel will dictate important properties of the fuel, such as cold flow, energy content, and oxidative stability. Cold flow has to do with the temperature at which the fuel crystallizes. In regards to energy content, AgriFuels asserts that saturated fats have more energy. Oxidative stability deals the antioxidants. Some oils, such as soy, have antioxidants that lead to a longer shelf-life.

Various oil and grease can subsequently create biodiesel. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the various biodiesel fuel derivatives, both sources that are currently used and future prospects, that AgriFuels advocates in order to get an idea of this:

* Virgin oil is vegetable oil that is usually grown, crushed, pressed, and filtered for the oil and other co-products, such as meal. Many different oil bearing crops are grown around the world.

* Soybean Oil is the most common virgin oil for Biodiesel in the USA. Farmers in the Mid-west can grow use a soybean for oil, animal feed, and other products such as vitamin E.

* Rapeseed Oil is the most common oil for Biodiesel in Europe. Rapeseed oil is also very common in Canada, known as the Canadian variety canola.

* Mustard Seed Oil is oil with a lot of potential. Mustard seed can be used for oil as well as an organic pesticide from the oil.

* Algal Oil might be the next big thing for Biodiesel. Some algaes are 50% oil!

* Recycled Oil is waste restaurant grease or used vegetable oil that is collected and made into Biodiesel. Many restaurants and business currently throw away used oil in the dumpster. Using our waste streams as feedstock for other products is always a sustainable option.

In the search for alternative sustainable energies, producing biodiesel fuel to operate vehicles may be a viable option. It would reduce the amount of “non-green” fossil fuels that are currently in use to power automobiles. In addition, it would diminish the dependence the United States currently has on other countries for oil, and it would increase American jobs on top of that.

There are so many different options to look at in the acquisition of biodiesel fuel, and it could only assist the nation in becoming greener.



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