Future Research
- Improvements in Cold Flow - While biodiesel is considerably cleaner than home heating oil, it poses
some problems. One of the most important issues is the pour point, that
is, the temperature at which the substance will not flow. The pour point of
pure biodiesel is higher than that of heating oil, which makes pure
biodiesel ill-suited for cold temperatures or wintertime use. Currently,
biofuel is mixed with home-heating oil to rectify this problem, but
considerable research is being done to find other ways of lowering the pour
point.
- Biodiesel in Microturbines - BNL is assessing the performance of biodiesel blends in a Capstone 30-kW
microturbine. The objectives are to measure the effects of blend properties
on the injector’s spray patterns, the distribution of drop sizes, combustion
performance, efficiency, and emissions. Long-term tests in progress will
assess deposit formation, corrosion, and the wear of internal parts.
- Bio-oil blends with Heavy Oil (No. 6 grade) - This work is being done in cooperation with KeySpan Corporation (Long
Island, NY) to assess the feasibility of using biofuels with
non-conventional feedstock, such animal waste, in utility boilers. Blends
with heavy oil currently are being tested in a smaller, commercial-sized
boiler.
Last Modified: February 1, 2008
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