Advancement of biodiesel fuel quality and NOx emission control techniques

Abstract

Sustainable waste derived biodiesel can substitute significant amount of fossil-based fuels currently used for marine propulsion, agricultural processes, small scale power generation, and in heavy goods vehicles. However, biodiesel fuel quality varies depending on the feedstock type, production method and storage conditions. Meeting biodiesel standards and reduction of NOx emissions are two main challenges when biodiesels are being used in the internal combustion engines. This study aims to address these two challenges by using biodiesel-biodiesel blending and various NOx reduction techniques. Biodiesels produced from waste resources and inedible plant seed oils are investigated. Fuel properties, biodiesels standards, and engine test results are reviewed. It was found that blends of animal fat biodiesels and vegetable oil biodiesels are likely to improve fuel properties and combustion characteristics. The biodiesel-biodiesel blends also help to reduce exhaust pollutants. The saturation level of the biodiesel fuel is increased through this technique. Animal fat biodiesels are composed of saturated fatty acid methyl esters, and vegetable oil biodiesels are composed of unsaturated fatty acids. The NOx gas emission reduction techniques are investigated and categorised under three sub-groups, fuel treatment, engine adjustment and exhaust after-treatment. Based on the state of art review, scopes for future R&D topics are presented for researchers and relevant industries.