Production and Combustion Analysis of Microalgae-based Biodiesel

Abstract

For over the past century, traditional fossil fuel has been the life force of modern society. However, with rising sea-levels and the impending global climate crisis, the entire world and especially tropical countries face impending disasters due to the C2 emissions that accompany the combustion of biodiesel. Therefore, there arises a requirement to discover an alternate bio-energy source. This study examines the production and combustion analysis of microalgae-based biodiesel. Primarily, a culture medium based on a unique Tris buffer solution and Trace Metal Solution were used to amplify growth and a low cost photobioreactor was used to achieve the wet mass. The production of biodiesel from microalgae was conducted by chemically producing biodiesel based on biomass from the microalgal strain C. Vulgaris. The produced biodiesel was then characterized for acid value, kinematic viscosity, density, flash point, and cetane number which are some of its physicochemical parameters. The combustion analysis was conducted using an Internal Combustion engine, which measured the engine performance parameters. Thus, this study indicates the feasibility of utilizing microalgae-based biodiesel as a replacement fuel for internal combustion engines.