Estimation of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from a Diesel Engine Powered by Lignocellulose Derived Fuel for Better Management of Fuel Production

Abstract

Managing of wastes rich in lignocellulose creates the opportunity to produce biofuels that are in full compliance with the principles of sustainable development. Biomass, as a suitable base for the production of biofuels, does not have to be standardized, and its only important feature is the appropriate content of lignocellulose, which assures great freedom in the selection of input. Biobutanol, obtained from this type of biomass, can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines, including diesel engines. In the era of strict environmental protection regulations, especially concerning atmospheric air, any new fuel, apart from good energetic properties, should also show beneficial ecological effects. This study investigates the carbon dioxide emissions from biobutanol powered diesel engine by means of use of the simulation model. The parameters of a real passenger car powered by a diesel engine were used for simulation carried out accordingly to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) approval procedure as the current test for newly manufactured cars. The results obtained for biobutanol were compared with simulated exhaust emissions obtained for conventional diesel and with FAME (fatty acid methyl esters)—the most popular biofuel. Biobutanol, in spite of its higher consumption, showed lower direct carbon dioxide emissions than both: the conventional diesel and FAME. In addition, a LCA (life cycle assessment) was carried out for the fuels and vehicles in question using the SimaPro package. Therefore, the implementation of butyl alcohol as a fuel provides favorable environmental effects. This result gives arguments towards biofuel production management indicating that implementation of biobutanol production technology mitigates carbon dioxide emission, as well as promotes lignocellulosic resources rather than edible parts of the plants.

Valorization of volatile fatty acids from the dark fermentation waste Streams-A promising pathway for a biorefinery concept

“…However, this process is still hindered by the low butanol yields and the high process costs [306,307]. Thus, recent studies are now using biomass residues (agricultural wastes, lignocellulosic wastes, and industrial wastes) alongside the cellulosic microbes found in various habitats to curb the process costs and pave the way for scale-up studies [308][309][310]. Zhang et al [297] recently used an amylolytic Clostridium species to produce butanol and hydrogen from food waste simultaneously.…”

A Computer Tool for Modelling CO2 Emissions in Driving Cycles for Spark Ignition Engines Powered by Biofuels

“…The most important renewable liquid fuels are Pure Vegetable Oils (PVO), esters of higher carboxylic acids: methyl Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), ethyl Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) and alcohols, mainly primary: methanol and ethanol; secondary, alcohol derivatives (mainly ethers); and liquid products of biomass processing Biomass to Liquid (BTL) [162][163][164].…”

Lignocellulosic Bioethanol and Biobutanol as a Biocomponent for Diesel Fuel

“…Reducing the amount of particulate matter emitted is therefore a major initiative that has strong support from policy makers around the world [ 8 ]. The emissions can be lowered by installing filters [ 9 ] or by the addition of other compounds that do not produce PM, such as alcohols, including ethanol or butanol [ 10 ], or has overall lower emission levels, such as biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester—FAME) [ 11 ].…”