Factors Affecting Biodiesel Production from Non-edible Vegetable Oil Via Base-catalyzed Transesterification Process: Synthesis
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
85-91
Received:
26 March 2021
Accepted:
25 May 2021
Published:
24 August 2021
Abstract: Biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl ester) has received attention as greener, renewable, alternative source of energy; and its utilization as diesel fuel is becoming an auspicious source of energy that can substitute the non-renewable petroleum products. It can make significant contributions in diminishing the emission of harmful gaseous due to combustion of conventional fuel sources and hence, it is helpful to overcome challenges associated with energy crisis coupled with environmental pollution, climate change and global warming. Biodiesel is a carbon-neutral fuel source, biodegradable, non-toxic and can be synthesized from locally available non-edible vegetable oils via base-catalyzed transesterification process. This study presents the insight of operational variables or factors that influence the processing and yield of biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl ester) through transesterification of non-edible vegetable oils. These operational variables include, the amount of free fatty acid (FFA) in the non-edible vegetable oils, moisture in the oils, the amount and types of alcohol used, the non-edible vegetable oil to alcohol molar ratio, time allowed for the reaction, intensity of mixing, temperature, types of catalyzed used, concentration of catalyst and purity of reactants. The considered variables for preparation of biodiesel should be optimized to achieve the maximum possible conversion of reactants and thereby provide the highest possible yield of biodiesel product at the minimum possible operational cost.
Abstract: Biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl ester) has received attention as greener, renewable, alternative source of energy; and its utilization as diesel fuel is becoming an auspicious source of energy that can substitute the non-renewable petroleum products. It can make significant contributions in diminishing the emission of harmful gaseous due to combustion ...
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Energy Demand and Its Implication on Wind/PV System Sizing in Machakos, Kenya
Kennedy Muchiri,
Joseph Ngugi Kamau,
David Wafula Wekesa,
Churchill Otieno Saoke,
Joseph Ndisya Mutuku,
Joseph Kimiri Gathua
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
92-98
Received:
4 August 2021
Accepted:
17 August 2021
Published:
24 August 2021
Abstract: Energy is an essential factor underpinning all elements of economy in the society. Its utilization greatly depends on the individual’s lifestyle and habitation. In rural areas, people use less electronic appliances compared to urban areas. However, the rapid development in technology and variety of applications have triggered the desire for more power in both rural and urban regions. To meet the energy demand, the world’s generation capacity has to keep growing. Renewable energy sources offer a better solution in quenching this demand. This paper presents the findings on energy utilization and a suitable sized wind/PV system model for an average rural household in Machakos. Energy demand assessment was done using probability sampling which involved clustering and random selection of households. The range of daily energy load in Machakos was found to be 0.052 to 4.23 kWh with most of the households consuming less than 1.5 kWh in a day. The daily average energy consumption for the three selected zones namely; Katheka-kai, Kiandani and Kathiani were 1.092, 0.99 and 1.4 kWh respectively, with an average load of 1.161 kWh. Over 50% of the households consume less than 1 kWh per day where the average loads were 0.56, 0.59 and 0.595 kWh respectively, with a daily average of 0.582 kWh. A wind/PV systems was sized for a sample household with a load of 0.588 kWh. Based on the minimum month solar insolation of 4.677 kWh/m2 and the available wind speed range of 1.0-10.0 m/s in the sites, a stand-alone wind/PV hybrid system was sized with component sizes as: 12 V, 165 W Panel, 12 V, 250 AH battery, 12 V, 225 W inverter and a wind turbine with a cut in, rated and cut-off wind speeds of 1.0, 5.0 and 15.0 m/s.
Abstract: Energy is an essential factor underpinning all elements of economy in the society. Its utilization greatly depends on the individual’s lifestyle and habitation. In rural areas, people use less electronic appliances compared to urban areas. However, the rapid development in technology and variety of applications have triggered the desire for more po...
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Sizing of a Photovoltaic Installation for the Needs of an International Airport: Case Study of GNASSINGBE EYADEMA International Airport (AIGE)
Koffi Sagna,
Yendoubé Lare,
Yendoubouame Lare,
Kossi Napo
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
99-107
Received:
1 September 2021
Accepted:
23 September 2021
Published:
2 October 2021
Abstract: This paper presents the sizing of a photovoltaic (PV) system for the GNASSINGBE EYADEMA international airport. Technical and economic profitability studies were done in order to show the possibility and the relevance of using a PV installation to fully meet the energy needs of a large airport in a certain and profitable way, thus contributing to encourage airports to go for this form of energy in the perspective to reduce their environmental effects. In view of the load profile and because of operating constraints, it was proposed to design a grid-connected photovoltaic systems in self-consumption. Mathematical formulas and PVsyst software were used for the sizing. The results obtained showed that the sizing system has a peak power of 1 MWp. The total investment cost of the project was estimated at $2,100,000. To evaluate the profitability of the project, the analysis was made according to two cases first if the project is financed with own funds and second if it is financed through a bank loan. It appeared that for funding own, the return on investment time is shorter, unlike when resorting to a bank. In addition, this PV power plant project would help to avoid 401.3 tonnes of CO2/year.
Abstract: This paper presents the sizing of a photovoltaic (PV) system for the GNASSINGBE EYADEMA international airport. Technical and economic profitability studies were done in order to show the possibility and the relevance of using a PV installation to fully meet the energy needs of a large airport in a certain and profitable way, thus contributing to en...
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