2

Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future Reduces amount of imported oil Strengthens the nation’s reliance on

alternative fuels Helps grow the economy with new clean

energy jobs Works to make international bioenergy

sustainable Can be used in most existing diesel vehicles Biodiesel = promising alternative fuel option Biodiesel use with existing

infrastructure/equipment Biodiesel blends

Introduction

3

Lesson 1:Introduction to Biodiesel

4

Objectives Describe what biodiesel is and how to

identify it Explain the basic history of biodiesel Describe how biodiesel may help

public health Explain how biodiesel may help

stimulate the economy Describe what energy security is and

how to use biodiesel to attain it

5

Biodiesel is: Domestically produced Renewable fuel Eligible for certain state and

federal tax credits Carbon-neutral Meets requirements of ASTM

standard D6751

Definition of Biodiesel

Figure 1: Biodiesel. Source: NAFTC.

6

Biodiesel is manufactured from materials such as: Oils Animal fat Recycled organic

waste

Biodiesel Feedstocks

Figure 2: U.S. biodiesel feedstock supply. Source: NREL.

7

Chemical Properties of Biodiesel Pure biodiesel (B100) has a slightly

lower energy content than conventional diesel (12.5% less per pound, 8% less per gallon)

Biodiesel produces less carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other emissions when compared to conventional diesel

8

Special Note:It is important to know that biodiesel is NOT straight vegetable oil (SVO) or waste vegetable oil (WVO).

9

Biodiesel Color Water white

Biodiesel Smell Blends that are 5% conventional

diesel or more begin to smell like conventional diesel

Biodiesel Identification Renewable Identification Numbers

(RINs) Color and viscosity

10

Biodiesel Blends Pure biodiesel = B100 Most common blend = B20 (20%

biodiesel) B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% diesel) B2 (2% biodiesel, 98% diesel)

Splash Blending – biodiesel and conventional diesel are loaded into vessel separately, mixed by agitation of transport

In-line Blending – biodiesel is added to a stream of conventional diesel as it travels through a pipe or hose

11

Cold Weather May gel at low temperatures like

conventional diesel Varies depending upon the blend B5 and conventional diesel perform

similarly in cold weather situations B2 has the best cold weather

characteristics

Special Note:See www.biodiesel.org/using-biodiesel/handling-use/cold-weather-

guide for a cold weather guide.

12

First diesel engines provided more power than gasoline engines

Extremely large and heavy Industrial and stationary

applications Rudolph Diesel

Compression-ignited fuel First engine fueled by peanut oil

Basic History of Biodiesel

Figure 3: Rudolph Diesel. Source: NAFTC.

13

Important moments and people in the history of biodiesel: First diesel engine company in

the U.S. – 1898 Busch-Zulzer Brothers Clessie Cummins Prosper l’Orange First production passenger

vehicle powered by a diesel engine – 1936

Basic History of Biodiesel

Figure 4: Early diesel engine. Source: NAFTC.

14

75 years of diesel vehicles B5 and B20 engine approvals Most biodiesel applications =

heavy- and medium-duty vehicles Biodiesel fueling of light-duty

vehicles is less common

Biodiesel Today

Figure 5: Diesel vehicle. Source: NAFTC.

15

Figure 6: Biodiesel and diesel facts and figures. Source: NAFTC.

16

Differences Between Biodiesel, Diesel

and Gasoline Diesel engines = compression-ignited

(CI) Gasoline engines = spark-ignited (SI) More torque Most diesel engines can run on

biodiesel blends of 5% to 20% with little or no modification

17

Figure 7: Overall compression ignition process. Source: NREL.

18

Biodiesel and Lubricity Lubricity – the measure of the

reduction in friction of a lubricant Diesel injection systems require

lubrication for small, close moving parts

Sulfur as a lubricant in diesel Esters in biodiesel are a natural

lubricant

19

Biodiesel and Cetane Cetane – the measure of a fuel’s

ability to auto-ignite Higher cetane number = shorter

ignition delay, enhanced engine performance, fewer emissions

Cetane Numbers: Most diesel: 40 Pure biodiesel: 65

20

Technological Advances Diesel-Electric Hybrid Vehicles

Similar to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles

Vehicle components: Internal combustion engine (compression

ignited) Electric motor/generator (MG) High-voltage battery

pack Transmission Fuel storage system

Figure 8: Diesel-electric hybrid school bus. Source: NAFTC.

21

Cleaner-burning fuel Domestically produced from

renewable resources Promotes energy self-sufficiency

Creation of jobs in agricultural sector Almost any diesel vehicle can use

biodiesel with little or no modification

Easiest fuel to implement due to existing infrastructure and blending

Why Consider Biodiesel?

22

Figure 9: Biodiesel compared to diesel. Source: Fueleconomy.gov.

Biodiesel Compared to Diesel

23

There are many benefits of using biodiesel to fuel vehicles: Betterment of health and

environment Benefits to the U.S. economy National energy security Reduce dependence on foreign oil

Biodiesel Benefits

24

Biodegradable and nontoxic Exhaust not as strong smelling as

conventional diesel No threat to human health Reduces emissions that cause

respiratory illness In 2000, biodiesel became only

alternative fuel in U.S. to complete EPA health effects testing under the Clean Air Act

Health Benefits

25

Carbon-neutral Plants remove carbon dioxide

from the atmosphere Made from plant material GHG emissions are reduced because biodiesel

releases carbon dioxide that crops originally removed

According to EPA, biodiesel can reduce GHG emissions

Can be used with SCR aftertreatment systems to reduce NOx, which leads to acid rain

Environmental Benefits

Figure 10: Clean air quality. Source: NAFTC.

Did You Know?

26

Biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar.

Source: National Biodiesel Board, 2011

27

Figure 11: Emission reductions achieved by the use of biodiesel blends. Source: NBB.

28

Supports U.S. agriculture and rural communities

According to National Biodiesel Board, the biodiesel industry is expected to create an additional 74,000 jobs by 2015 Will increase household income by $4

billion Will generate nearly $7.3 billion in GDP

Economic Benefits

29

U.S. is one of the greatest agricultural product exporters

Increased demand for transportation

Dependency on foreign oil to meet transportation demand

Use of existing agricultural production and infrastructure

Energy Security Benefits

30

Figure 12: U.S. gasoline prices versus crude oil prices. Source: EIA.

31

Renewable = can be produced and replenished

Energy balance = ratio of energy required to produce/distribute fuel compared to the amount of energy released when used

Very high energy balance compared to other fuels 3.2 units of renewable energy Compared to diesel = 0.83 units

Renewable Benefits

32

Upon completing this lesson, can you: Describe what biodiesel is and how to

identify it? Explain the basic history of biodiesel? Describe how biodiesel may help

public health? Explain how biodiesel may help

stimulate the economy? Describe what energy security is and

how to use biodiesel to attain it?

33

1. Who patented the diesel engine in 1892?

2. True or False: Biodiesel is derived from various feedstock sources including vegetable oil, soybean oil, and canola oil.

3. True or False: The most common blend of biodiesel is B20 (20% biodiesel).

4. True or False: ALL types of vehicles and engines can use biodiesel without any modification.

Test Your Knowledge

34

Lesson 2:Biodiesel Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Sustainability

35

Objectives Describe what biodiesel is made from

– biomass and feedstock Explain how biodiesel is

manufactured and produced Describe how biodiesel is transported Explain how biodiesel is distributed Describe the sustainability of

biodiesel – its future and cost efficiency

36

Renewable – describes a fuel that can be produced and replenished by some action that might be taken

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy identifies the following as renewable fuels: Biomass Geothermal Hydrogen Hydropower Solar Wind

Renewable Fuel Sources

37

Biomass Biomass – biological or organic

matter available on a renewable basis

Bioenergy

Feedstock Feedstock – preliminary

product that can be made into a fuel (i.e. soybeans)

Figure 13: Soybeans. Source: NAFTC.

38

Considerable modifications must be made to

use these oils: Straight vegetable oil (SVO) Waste vegetable oil (WVO)

Neither Engine Manufacturer’s Association

(EMA) nor National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) recommend use

Did You Know?

39

New research finds that summer kelp, rich with energy-dense carbohydrates and soluble sugars, may offer a new source of biofuel.Source: Society for Experimental Biology in Scotland, 2011

40

Transesterification Transesterification = process to

produce biodiesel from renewable oils

Catalyst and alcohol are added Mixture produces biodiesel which is

washed and dried for quality By product of glycerol can be used by

soap industry

Manufacturing and Production

41

Up to 300 times more oil per acre than conventional crops

Harvest cycle: 1 to 10 days Lands unsuitable for food crops

Algae Biodiesel Production

Figure 14: Examining algae for oil content. Source: NREL.

42

Open Pond Method – water is circulated around a shallow trench to expose the algae to as much sunlight as possible

Covered Pond Method – algae pond is enclosed; a greenhouse offers greater productivity and safety

Figure 15: Open pond method. Source: NREL.

43

Vertical Enclosed Method – the algae is grown in a fully controlled, highly monitored environment

Figure 16: Inspecting samples in an algae library. Source: NREL.

44

Waste Vegetable Oil Edible cooking oils – peanut,

sunflower, olive Curbside oil recycling programs in

some states, Georgia for example Oil poured down drains

Animal Fats Most common types used: tallow,

lard, grease Additives

Did You Know?

45

Restaurants and large hotels produce around 3-5 billion gallons of waste oil per year.

That’s enough to fill tanker trucks that span from California to D.C. and back.

Source: EPA.

46

Brown Grease Brown Grease – grease that is

collected from sewer systems that is often contaminated with water, trash, wasted food, and unwanted materials

Is a viable low-cost option if feedstock prices continue to rise

47

Truck, train, and barge Biodiesel pipeline Pure form Pre-mixed blends

Transport and Distribution

Figure 17: Biodiesel distribution system. Source: NAFTC.

48

Transporters Bulk shipments Same handling procedures as

conventional diesel

Figure 18: Hazardous material description identification number UN 1993 placard. Source: USDOT, PHMSA.

49

The use of biodiesel does not require significant changes to the existing conventional diesel infrastructure

Production facilities must be built

Infrastructure

Figure 19 (left): Biodiesel fueling pump. Figure 20 (right): Biodiesel fueling pump.

Source: NAFTC.

50

Fueling Stations Additional pumps Specialized tanks

Biodiesel Fueling StationSafety Systems

Includes: remote emergency shutdown switch, internal valves in fuel supply tank, excess flow valves, breakaway coupling in fuel hose, manual shutoff valve, and excess-flow valve

Other features are available

Figure 21: Biodiesel fueling station. Source: NREL.

51

Identifying Biodiesel Hazard Placards Identify biodiesel at stationary

facilities Help emergency crews

Figure 22 (left): NFPA 704 hazard placard for B100 biodiesel. Figure 23 (right): NFPA 704 hazard placard

for conventional diesel. Source: NFPA.

52

Cost Efficiency Relatively low switching costs Vehicle modifications are minimal Usually least costly strategy for

alternative fuel implementation Fleets, school districts Compliance with state and federal

regulations

Biodiesel Sustainability

53

The Future of Biodiesel Technological advances Eventual use of higher blends Switch from B2 to B20 Manufacturer warranty standard

changes 50 million gallon per year capacity

54

Upon completing this lesson, can you: Describe what biodiesel is made from –

biomass and feedstock? Explain how biodiesel is manufactured

and produced? Describe how biodiesel is transported? Explain how biodiesel is distributed? Describe the sustainability of biodiesel

– its future and cost efficiency?

55

1. What state allows curb-side pick up for waste vegetable oil?

2. True or False: Straight vegetable oil (SVO) is the best type of biodiesel to use in a vehicle.

3. True or False: Blends with higher concentrations of biodiesel can freeze in cold weather.

4. True or False: The existing distribution system for petroleum can be used to transport biodiesel.

Test Your Knowledge

56

Lesson 3:Biodiesel Vehicles

57

Objectives Explain the differences between

biodiesel vehicles and conventional vehicles

Describe the components of biodiesel vehicles

Describe the performance of biodiesel vehicles

Explain how to maintain biodiesel vehicles

Describe the biodiesel vehicles used today

58

Compression-ignited (CI) vs. spark-ignited (SI)

Use of heat for combustion Diesel combusts immediately Diesel engines do not mix air with fuel

before combustion – only air is compressed

Use of 20% biodiesel (B20) without modification

Differences Between Biodiesel and Conventional Vehicles

59

Thermal Efficiency – the ratio of useful work performed to the total energy content of the fuel consumed

Thermal Efficiency: Conventional diesel

engine: 40% Gasoline engine: 25%

Advanced technologiesFigure 24: Cummins diesel engine from a Dodge

Ram. Source: NAFTC.

60

The main components of a biodiesel vehicle are: Internal combustion engine (ICE)

Converts diesel, biodiesel, or a blend of both into mechanical energy; usually the same size as the ICE found in a conventional diesel vehicle

Transmission Changes the gear ratio between the ICE and

the drive wheels as the vehicle accelerates Drivetrain

Includes the vehicle’s brakes and differentials

Biodiesel Vehicle Components

Did You Know?

61

Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the EPA is a legal engine fuel for sale and distribution.

Source: EPA.

62

What is a Biodiesel Vehicle? Most vehicles that use conventional

diesel can use biodiesel Some modifications maybe required

Biodiesel can be used: If the car was

manufactured after1994 and the car has a diesel engine

Figure 25: Audi A3 TDI (diesel vehicle). Source: NAFTC.

Did You Know?

63

The use of conventional diesel leaves a deposit in the bottom of fuel lines, tanks, and delivery systems over time.

The use of biodiesel can dissolve this sediment and result in the need to change filters more frequently when first using biodiesel until the whole system has been cleaned of the deposits left by the conventional diesel.

Source: National Biodiesel Board, 2011

64

Manufacturer approved biodiesel blends Cleaning nature of biodiesel Residue particles will quickly clog the

fuel filter Certain seals and rings may need to be

replaced

Vehicle Modifications and Conversions

Special Note:Since biodiesel is a good solvent, it can, if left on a painted surface

long enough, dissolve certain types of paint. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe any biodiesel or biodiesel blend spills from

painted surfaces immediately.

65

Virtually the same as conventional vehicle performance

8% less energy by volume Cleaner burning May solidify in cold environments,

similar to conventional diesel Fuel heater may be needed

Biodiesel Vehicle Performance

66

Flash point = 266°F Less flammable than conventional

diesel Bright white flame Does not produce smoke

Biodiesel Vehicle Safety

Figure 26: Biodiesel flame. Source: NAFTC.

Did You Know?

67

Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines. This means that a diesel engine of the same displacement will have better fuel economy (or 30% less carbon dioxide emissions). Biodiesel can reduce emissions even more.

Source: National Biodiesel Board, 2011.

68

Biodiesel vehicle maintenance is nearly identical to conventional diesel vehicle maintenance

Fuel filters will need to be replaced after conversion

Biodiesel Vehicle Maintenance

69

Several different applications Vehicle weight classes:

Heavy-duty Medium-duty Light-duty

Biodiesel Vehicles in Use Today

70

Biodiesel Vehicles in Use Today

Figure 28: Heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Source: AFDC.

Figure 27: Medium-duty diesel vehicle. Source: AFDC.

71

School bus conversions Improved air quality Arizona, New York, Hawaii

Biodiesel Vehicles in Use Today

Figure 29: School bus that utilizes biodiesel. Figure 30: There are several biodiesel options for fleets; however, public transportation and, in

this image, school buses are common and efficient. Source: NREL.

72

Upon completing this lesson, can you: Explain the differences between biodiesel

vehicles and conventional vehicles? Describe the components of biodiesel

vehicles? Describe the performance of biodiesel

vehicles? Explain how to maintain biodiesel

vehicles? Describe the biodiesel vehicles used

today?

73

1. When compared to conventional diesel, biodiesel has about ________% less energy by volume.

2. True or False: Most diesel engines can run on biodiesel blends, up to 20% (B20) without engine modification.

3. True or False: Biodiesel burns with a bright purple flame and is visible in daylight.

4. True or False: Biodiesel blends (a blend of diesel and biodiesel) are already being used in a number of heavy-duty vehicles as well as in buses, military support vehicles, and farm equipment.

Test Your Knowledge