Page 14 - Biofuels Refining and Performance

Preface

The continuous use of the world’s crude oil reserve and a corresponding
escalation in its price together with the limited coal reserves have stimu-
lated the hunt for renewable sources of energy. The main sources of renew-
able energy are biomass, biogas, methanol, ethanol, and biodiesel; solar
active (photovoltaic), solar passive (preheating of water), wind, mini hydel,
and mini tidal are important sources which produce less pollution and pro-
tect the environment.
Much attention has been given to biomass and its modifications as a
substitute for fossil fuels in the Western world. Among the modifications
are biogas, alcohol, biodiesel, and manure. Presently, electrical power
is attractive in many respects and the search is on for renewable and
nonfinite resources to produce and supplement electrical energy.
The first chapter discusses energy and its biological sources. If bio-
fuel is one of the expected solutions, we must know where is the begin-
ning of the crisis and its solution. This chapter reviews the background
story along with an optimistic outlook for a safe energy resource on our
green earth. The second chapter discusses energy from photosynthetic
plants and their inherent recycling nature, as well as the environmen-
tal benefits involved. These sources of energy are the solution for energy
management. The third chapter discusses bioethanol, which is now one
of the main actors in the fuel market. Its market grew from less than a
billion liters in 1975 to more than 39 billion liters in 2006, and is expected
to reach 100 billion liters in 2015. The chapter discusses the variety of
raw materials, such as sugars, starch, and lignocellulosic substances,
that produces bioethanol and also covers some of the market issues. To
extend the use of biodiesel, the main concern is the economic viability of
producing biodiesel. Edible oils are too valuable for human feeding to run
automobiles. So, the emphasis must be on low-cost oils, i.e., nonedible
oils, animal fats, and used frying oils. There are many nonedible feed-
stock crops growing in underdeveloped and developing countries;
biodiesel programs here would give multiple social and economic benefits.

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