Advanced Fuels

Using Recycled Vegetable Oil(RVO) as a Fuel Source in

Diesel Engines

Jim BainerDiesel Technology Department

M-State/Moorhead

How Much Vegetable Oil is Consumed Worldwide Each Year?

• 116.4 Million Tons• 232.8 Billion Pounds• 30.5 Billion Gallons• Let’s Burn the used Vegetable Oil in Diesel

Engines!!

Vehicle Fuel Consumption In US

• Each day the US consumes 20 Million barrels of oil

• Each year US vehicles consume enough oil to fill an area the size of a football field 40 miles deep

Comparing Vegetable Oil to Diesel Fuel (Power)

• #2 Diesel Fuel Produces 138,407 BTUs/Gal.

• Vegetable Oil Produces 132,164 BTUs/Gal. or 95% of #2 Diesel

Comparing Vegetable Oil to Diesel Fuel (Emissions)

• RVO does not produce Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)• RVO produces 78% less Carbon Dioxide (CO2)• RVO produces 48% less Carbon Monoxide• RVO produces 48% less Particulate Matter• RVO produces 80% less cancer causing PAH’s

(Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) • RVO produces slightly higher Nitrous Oxides

Where to Locate RVO

• Fast Food Restaurants• Hotels• Bar and Grill• Restaurants

Filtering RVO

• Filter with 250-300 Micron filter to remove large particles (French Fries)

• Filter down in series to 5 Micron

• Storage tank should have drain at lowest point to remove water

5 Micron VS. Human Hair

Vehicle Conversion Parts

• Heated and Insulated Fuel Tank (150 Deg)• Solenoid Valves (for switching between #2

diesel and RVO)• Thermo Filter Assemble• Cab Switches or Optional Control Panel• 2002 Ford F-350 Kit Costs About 2300.00• http://www.greasecar.com/flashtour.cfm

Vehicle Operation

• Engine Must be Started and Warmed up on Diesel Fuel until RVO reaches 150 Deg.

• Engine Must be Switched Back to Diesel prior to shutdown.

Cold Whether Operation

• RVO must be 150 Deg.

• Short trips of 20 miles or less will not allow

sufficient warm-up time of RVO tank in extreme cold

Electronic Engines

• As fuel heats up it expands

• Fuel temp. sensors are used to change amount of fuel injected depending on temp

• Temp. sensor may need to be altered or fooled to avoid derate

Lab Exercise

• Build 20 gallon fuel tank with heater and temp gauge

• Install tank on dyno engine (plumb water and fuel lines)

• Filter RVO down to 5 micron for use in tank

• Perform dynamometer test using both #2 diesel and RVO and record results

• This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.  The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.  The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.  This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it.  Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible.  All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.