Biodiesel is an alternative energy source of natural origin that is produced after the decomposition of organic materials of vegetable origin. In recent years, the production of this biofuel has aroused the interest of multiple governments and organizations on a global scale, not only due to the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, but also due to its low carbon footprint with respect to them.
Biodiesel can be produced from soybean, rapeseed and corn crops, or it can also come from animal fats or residual oils, such as those used in the agri-food industry. Palm and pistachio, abundant in China, also provide the necessary oils to generate biodiesel through micro-emulsions.
For direct applications in the transport sector, such as the use of biodiesel in vehicle engines, chemical reactions occur involving the use of oil and alcohol. In addition, this type of clean energy has advantages and disadvantages that you can learn about at this link.
These are the main applications of biodiesel as green fuel.
The most important uses of biodiesel
Diesel engines and vehicles
One of the main limitations of other alternative energies, such as wind and solar, is their low practicality to power transportation systems.
The researchers consider that there is still a long time to go before these energy sources receive the necessary technological updates to efficiently drive motor vehicles.
Nowadays, all diesel vehicles can run properly on biodiesel or mixtures of other biofuels.
On cars manufactured before 1993, replacement of some components in the fuel lines may be required to prevent biodiesel from affecting engine operation.
As heat source
The biofuels used in the production of biodiesel make it possible to provide thermal energy. The most common application is heating systems, either by burning wood in domestic fireplaces, or to promote the operation of kitchens.
Through various biodiesel blending processes, sulfur dioxide emissions can be reduced and other toxic gases.
To generate electric power
In addition to serving as fuel for the transport sector, biodiesel allows to generate electricity. In fact, this energy transformation process is crucial in communities and locations more prone to suffer the consequences of toxic emissions such as schools, hospitals and residential areas.
Electronic equipment charging
Researchers have successfully tested the use of plant-based oil and sugar in batteries to power electronic devices.
Although this technology is in its early testing stages, in the future, users can use these batteries to charge cell phones and laptops.
Water cleaning
Beyond being an ecological fuel, biodiesel can contribute to the sanitation of the seas, especially in cases of oil spills and grease contamination.
The biofuel can also be used as an industrial solvent, specifically to clean metals, which also brings advantages due to its low polluting impact.
As lubricant
Biodiesel has the potential to reduce the percentage of sulfur in diesel vehicle systems. Sulfur intervenes directly in the lubricity of the fuel, so this biofuel also serves as an ecological lubricant.
Domestic kitchens
Although kerosene is the main fuel to power home stoves and some types of lanterns, biodiesel can work just as efficiently. without the negative effects of pollution.
Replacement of fossil fuels
When oil, coal and natural gas run out for good, biofuels will become the most demanded energy source all over the world.
By then, governments will need to create much more profitable energy production systems from these green fuels, in addition to investing more resources in research and development of new technologies that boost the efficiency of biodiesel.
Remove household adhesives and paints
Biodiesel can serve as an effective adhesive and paint remover. The elimination of non-critical applications from this fuel It could become a trend in the coming years.
Reduce the need to import oil
Representing an excellent alternative energy source, biofuels such as biodiesel can significantly reduce crude oil imports.
This brings an additional advantage: geopolitical conflicts derived from oil will be completely nullified, since nations will have independence in the production of their own fuel sources.