Modelling and optimization of thermophilic anaerobic digestion using biowaste.

Biowaste generation is considerably increasing multiple times recently due to various social and environmental changes like population growth, economic prosperity, globalisation etc. they contain different composition and generated at different stages of their life cycle. Though studies reported for recycle, reproduce and reuse of them, this investigation is unique by focussing to investigate the ideal circumstances for the production of biogas and methane from anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste using response surface methods and artificial neural networks with thermophilic temperature range. Thermophilic temperature of 20.78, organic loading rate of 0.2, pH of 8.81, agitation time of 5.8 and hydro retention time of 3 are the ideal input parameter values for the generation of biogas 3.03 m3 and methane% 186.08 with a desirability of 1. The Response surface model was surpassed by the Artificial Neural Network model.

Bio-waste mediated synthesis of zirconium nanoparticle fuel: Energy management strategy for performance evaluation in a diesel engine.

The impact of biosynthesized zirconium nanoparticles originated from biological waste, blended in diesel fuel processed through bio-refining strategy and its combustion, emissions, and overall diesel engine performance towards safety has been examined. Different weight fractions of zirconia nanoparticles were combined with crude diesel at 10, 20, and 30 mg/L values. According to the engine tests, Zirconia (20 nm) added to pure diesel at a concentration of 30 parts per million incremented thermal efficiencies by 4.9% compared to regular diesel fuel. The average reduction in specific fuel consumption for clean diesel fuel when the engine was operating at full power was 2.9%, 3.9%, and 4.9%. Diesel smoke, hydrocarbon, CO, and NOx emissions were reduced by 13%, 20%, 25%, and 29%, respectively, when nano additives were used at a concentration of 30 ppm.Nanoparticles enhance fuel stability, overcome detonation difficulties, and avoid fouling spark plugs. The pressure within cylinder, the temperature, and the rate at which heat is released was improved when alumina nanoparticles were appended to diesel fuel. However, both the length of the combustion and further delay in ignition were cut down. The ideal concentration of zirconia nanoparticles for improving combustion, efficiency, and emissions along with safety attainment in an internal combustion engine is recorded at 30 ppm.

Development of Free Fatty Acid (FFA) monitoring device for evaluation of oil samples used for biodiesel production.

Diversion of oil sources for biodiesel production has been gaining importance to meet the environmental concerns and energy demand. The free fatty acid (FFA) content of the feedstock is a significant factor in biodiesel production. The FFA values determine the complexity of the biodiesel production. Until date, an experimental procedure has been used to determine the FFA concentration of an oil source; this method is dependent on titration, which is a laborious process involving significant volumes of chemicals. Hence, in the present study, an attempt was made to develop a device for the identification of FFA of the oils. Waste cooking oil samples subjected to wide range of cooking conditions like cooking time, temperature, type of food are collected from different food outlets. Subsequently, the composition of oil samples and the variation in their quality were analysed using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC - FID). Biodiesel is prepared from the oil samples through transesterification and the impact of FFA and their respective methyl esters in the quality and properties have been investigated. The properties of biodiesel were determined as per ASTM standards. The study was further extended to correlate the properties of biodiesel with the composition of the oil from which it was derived. The analysis evidently proved the dependence of biodiesel properties on the FFA percentage and the composition of the oil. The results have been further substantiated with the performance and emission characteristics of internal combustion engine fuelled with the prepared biodiesel samples.

Agricultural waste biomass for sustainable bioenergy production: Feedstock, characterization and pre-treatment methodologies.

The worldwide trend in energy production is moving toward circular economy systems and sustainable availability of sources. Some advanced methods support the economic development of energy production by the utilization of waste biomass, while limiting ecological effects. The use of agro waste biomass is viewed as a major alternative energy source that expressively lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural residues produced as wastes after each step of agricultural production are used as sustainable biomass assets for bioenergy production. Nevertheless, agro waste biomass needs to go through a few cyclic changes, among which biomass pre-treatment contributes to the removal of lignin and has a significant role in the efficiency and yield of bioenergy production. As a result of rapid innovation in the utilization of agro waste for biomass-derived bioenergy, a comprehensive overview of the thrilling highlights and necessary advancements, in addition to a detailed analysis of feedstock, characterization, bioconversion, and contemporary pre-treatment procedures, appear to be vital. To this end, the current status in the generation of bioenergy from agro biomass through various pre-treatment procedures was examined in this study, along with presenting relevant challenges and a perspective for future investigations.

Impact of reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) mode engine operation in diesel engine powered with B20 blend of waste cooking oil biodiesel.

The purpose of this study is to conduct an experimental assessment of the impact of RCCI (reactivity regulated compression ignition) on the performance, emissions, and combustion of a CRDI engine. A fuel mix (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel, and a NaOH catalyst) is generated. The produced combination is evaluated for attributes using standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The engine research included three distinct kinds of injections: 10% Pen RCCI, 20% Pen RCCI, and 30% Pen RCCI. Increasing the injection pressure increases the brake thermal efficiency, often known as BTE. NOx emissions increased as a consequence of higher injection pressures and improved combustion. However, when the injection rate is increased, the Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) falls. The CO2 and hydrocarbon emissions, as well as the smoke opacity values, increased as the charge increased. The resultant mixture may be utilized in a CI engine with pre-mixed ignition to improve overall engine performance as well as combustion characteristics.