Sustainable Biofuel Systems for Undeveloped Regions Tyler Backman and Nikhil Prem OSU Biodiesel Initiative
Challenge Definition The lack of sustainable alternatives to petroleum fuels is a critical global concern Local production of sustainable alternative fuels in undeveloped villages can help solve economic, environmental, and health problems
Objectives 1. Identify obstacles to renewable fuel implementation that are specifc to undeveloped regions 2. Investigate which alternative fuel will work best in that environment 3. Develop sustainable methods of production that will overcome the obstacles we identify 4. Incorporate traditional knowledge of the target community in production methods 5. Demonstrate that the method of choice will work with pilot-scale production
Test Case: Narukunibua Village in Fiji Peace Corps volunteer and OSU Alumni Isaac Sunderland is stationed there Only source of electricity is a diesel generator Diesel fuel is currently imported from Australia at great expense
Implementation Strategy 1. identify constraints 2. investigate possible fuel solutions 3. develop sustainable production methods 4. incorporate traditional cultural knowledge 5. demonstrate developed system
Biodiesel Chemistry 101 Fatty Acid + CH3OH +NaOH = Methyl esters + Glycerol Biodiesel layer Glycerol layer Biodiesel is made from the combination of vegetable oil with a solution of alcohol (ethanol or methanol) and a catalyst (usually NaOH or KOH) The reaction, known as transesterification, cleaves the vegetable oil molecule causing glycerol, a heavier molecule, to precipitate. The remaining part of the molecule is biodiesel, or fatty acid methyl esters.
Use Industrial Knowledge, Low Cost Equipment Sustainable Cycle Grow Oil Seed Collect Seed Crush Seed Press Seed Rotation Crop for Grass Industry Natural Herbicide released from Oilseed Plants Oil Cheap Base (From Local Industrial Waste) Biodiesel Process Mash Compost for Farmer Glycerin Filter Purify to USP Grade Polymerize Recover Alcohol Alcohol Source Biodiesel Cattle Feed HYDROGEN Fuel For Heat
Technical Issues Specific to Remote Biodiesel Production Availability of: High quality oil feedstock Catalyst High purity alcohol
Measurable Results Quality of fuel: Fuel produced must meet ASTM standards Sustainable Methods: A sustainable practices map will be created to trace the source of all materials and feedstocks used Acceptance: The test village must accept our system as a viable solution to a real problem Efficiency: The system must produce fuel reliably and in sufficient quantity to fulfill the electricity needs of the village without requiring excessive finances or labor
Existing Partnerships Peace Corps has provided a letter of support, and volunteer time The EPA has provided some grant money through the P3: People, Prosperity and the Planet Student Design Competition for Sustainability Village of Narukunibua has provided a letter of support and is willing to participate as a test case
Research Potential EWB encourage[s] chapters to undertake larger scale research projects and become experts Topics include researching renewable energy resources EWB student chapter section V. 2005 EWB members are welcome to participate in research
Mentor Dr. David Hackleman Professor of chemical engineering Willing to travel for project
Organization Layout EWB-OSU Executive Board Project Lead Biodiesel Executive Board Mentor Assessment Group Research Group Design Group Travel Team
Site Assessment Engineering conditions Culture Environmental aspects Resources
Winter Goals Complete environmental impact assessment Oil Research Alcohol Research Catalyst Investigation Assess Alternative Energies
Spring Term Design and build a prototype Test & engineer for proper functionality Apply and receive EPA grant in D.C. Fiji assessment trip
Summer Begin constructing pilot plant
More Information OSU Biodiesel Initiative web site and grant proposal: http://biodiesel.oregonstate.edu/ P3 Program web site: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/p3/