Feasibility of Integration of Peanut Based Bio-Diesel into a Mainstream Market

There has been increased emphasis on alternate energy sources in recent years. This interest stems from diminishing supplies of fossil fuels combined with an ever-increasing global demand for energy. Biodiesel constitutes one such source of alternate energy. It is a renewable diesel fuel substitute that can be manufactured from a variety of naturally occurring oils and fats. Several methods of production have been tried and successfully implemented to develop biodiesel as a viable energy source. However, this research has been confined primarily within the auspices of a research laboratory. The mass appeal of biodiesel and its viability as a dominant energy source can be established by developing a comprehensive methodology to achieve large-scale transfer of technology from the laboratory to the marketplace. Such a methodology needs to take into account the technological characteristics of the fuel production process, environmental effects of biodiesel emissions, and economic factors integral to the biodiesel supply chain. It is essential to analyze the aforementioned characteristics in order to successfully achieve the cost effective integration of this alternate fuel source into the marketplace. Towards this end, a thorough literature review of the state of the art in biodiesel production techniques and availability characteristics of peanuts as a source has been presented in retrospect to secure the integrity of the research involved. This research as well as related outcomes as a result of widespread integration of biodiesel into a mainstream market has been presented. Similarly, the strategies and effects of the introduction of large-scale usage of bio-fuels have also been targeted.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Applied Engineering (M.S.A.E.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Hogan, Dustin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Valentin A. Soloiu
• John O' Malley

• ETD
• Renewable energy
• Peanut based bio-diesel
• Bio-diesel
• Clean energy
• Renewable integration
• Technology transfer

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/769

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1769