A study on biodiesel production and application from jatropha in Thailand | |
| Author | Nopdanai Vichaisarn |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ET-09-10 |
| Subject(s) | Jatropha--Thailand Biodiesel fuels--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of science in Energy |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The price of petroleum products has been fluctuating and rising for many years and there is increasing green house gas emissions caused by its combustion. Biodiesel is an attractive solution for reducing the use of conventional diesel. Utilizing Biodiesel can reduce the amount of diesel importation and also reduce the green house gas emission .Recently, the benefit of using Biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum diesel has been recognized around the world, especially in the developing countries. Thailand is an agricultural-based country which is capable to produce Jatropha. This oil producing crop has a good potential for Biodiesel production. It could be very useful to the agricultural and transportation sectors in Thailand. In this research, experiments were conducted to produce Jatropha oil by the process of transesterification. This experiment used methanol for mixing with Jatropha oil and in case of catalyst, potassium hydroxide was used. For biodiesel quality testing, a number of parameters were considered such as, density at 15°C , kinematic viscosity at 40°C, flash point, cloud point, copper strip corrosion, water content and acid number. These parameters were compared between pure Jatropha oil and Jatropha-biodiesel in order to see which one is more suitable to be utilized in the single-cylinder diesel engine. In case of testing in the engine, the parameters considered were engine performance (torque and break power), fuel consumption and percent of black smoke. In this research, life cycle analysis of biodiesel production from Jatropha was also analyzed from the cultivation till the biodiesel conversion process. This research is meant to provide useful information regarding the recommendation of biodiesel production from Jatropha. It is expected this will also encourage people to consider using Jatropha oil for biodiesel production along with palm in order to reduce the palm products shortage. |
| Year | 2009 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kumar, Sivanappan; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Salam, Abdul P.;Weerakorn Ongsakul;Nuwong Chollacoop; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2009 |