Biofuel Research
at Brookhaven National Laboratory
 Recent research showed that benefits can be gained from using mixtures of
biodiesel and home-heating oil. Since 1998, the Energy Resources Division at
Brookhaven National Laboratory has conducted studies to assess the
feasibility of using biodiesel blends for home- and commercial-boilers. In
one study sponsored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and
the Department of Energy (DOE), we showed that up to 30% of biodiesel could
be blended readily with home heating oil and used in most appliances
designed for use with home heating oil without having to modify them
[Krishna, 2001] [Krishna, 2004 NREL]. At higher levels, problems with the
compatibility issues of the materials require changing the non-metallic
parts of the fuel system. Also, differences in characteristics of the flame
affect the cadmium sulfide sensor (cad cell) that monitors the presence of
the flame; hence, the safety controls may have to be modified.
BNL and other research groups reported significant environmental benefits
with biodiesel-blended fuels. Combustion tests indicate that such blends can
lower nitrogen-oxide emissions from residential oil burners by 10 percent to
20 percent compared to conventional fuel oil. Sulfur oxides (SOx) also are
substantially lowered because biodiesel does not contain sulfur components
[Krishna, 2003]. With a net reduction in the release of carbon dioxide from
production to end-use, greenhouse-gas emissions are also reduced.
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According to a study sponsored by the National Oilheat Research Alliance
(NORA), a non-profit industry association, Batey [2003] found cleaner
combustion with B20 blended with low-sulfur (0.05 wt% or 500 ppm) diesel
fuel. Combustion tests in heating equipment showed reduced emissions of
nitrogen oxides (by 20%), carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and smoke, and
both the fuel and combustion products were less odorous.
Operational Issues with Biodiesel Fuels
The following are some key issues that may affect the operation and
maintenance of the heating system.
- Cold weather storage. Pure biodiesel has higher cloud- and
pour-points than No. 2 heating oil. Possible remedies include blending
with kerosene, or having insulated and heated storage facilities.
- Materials compatibility. Pure biodiesel and blends with high
concentrations of it can affect nitrile rubber and other polymeric
materials in the heating system [Tyson].
- Flame emissivity. The burner’s safety control is integrated with a
cadmium-sulfide cell that is used to detect the existence of a flame.
Due to the low emissivity of the flame produced with pure biodiesel
(B100), i.e., the radiant heat it emits, the cad cell cannot reliably
detect the flame [Krishna, 2001].
- Oxidative stability. This is an important issue in storing biodiesel,
just as with petroleum diesel or heating oil. Biodiesel with high levels
of polyunsaturated fatty acids are inherently unstable [Tyson].
For pure biodiesel or concentrated bio-blended fuels, such as over 30%,
modifications may be needed to the fuel pump’s components and safety
controls, and special considerations should be paid to transporting,
storing, and handling the fuel. Future work is being planned by BNL’s
researchers , by equipment manufacturers, and fuel specialists to develop
products that are compatible with pure biodiesel (B100).
Field Tests
- BNL, Abbott and Mills (Newburgh, NY), under sponsorship from New
York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This
successful, 3-year field test used B20 blend with low-sulfur diesel in
heating equipment at 100 homes [Krishna, Mills, 2002]. B100 was also
tested with changes to the burner’s safety control and pump seal. The
unit operated for two years without difficulty.
- National Historic Site at Sagamore Hill (Long Island, NY). BNL study
under sponsorship from NYSERDA. B20 is being tested in three residential-sized boilers that
heat the house and associated facilities.
- BNL,
Cornell University Cooperative Extension under sponsorship from
NYSERDA. This is a new research initiative to evaluate biodiesel use in
multifamily housing (New York City).
Biodiesel Suppliers for Residential Use
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) lists companies throughout the
nation that offer various mixtures of biodiesel for residential use, such as
B5 and B20.
About Brookhaven
Where is Brookhaven?
Brookhaven National Laboratory is located in Suffolk County on Long Island,
a 120-mile-long island directly east of New York City. The Lab's 5,265-acre
site is near the island's geographic center. The Lab is located in the
township of Brookhaven, and has its own post office designation, Upton. The
zip code is 11973-5000.
From above, Long Island looks like a giant fish, with a forked tail on
the "East End" -- the North Fork is rural, and the South Fork has many
famous "Hamptons" resort towns. The Peconic Bay and Shelter Island are
between the forks. Brookhaven is 15 miles to the west of the forks, and
about 60 miles east of New York City.
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- The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
(top, center) is 2.4 miles in circumference, and dominates Brookhaven's
5,265-acre campus.
- BNL From Space -
The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider ring can be easily seen as a small
round white circle on the top right of this satellite image.
What does Brookhaven do?
Established in 1947 on Long Island, Upton, New York, Brookhaven is a
multi-program national laboratory operated by Brookhaven Science Associates
for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Six Nobel Prizes have been awarded
for discoveries made at the Lab. Brookhaven has a staff of approximately
3,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff and over 4,000
guest researchers annually.
Last Modified: February 1, 2008
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