Biodiesel vs. SVO

      The significance of biofuels as an alternative energy source is based on the fact they are carbon neutral. Carbon neutrality means that carbon dioxide, which is released into the atmosphere during through the emissions of the combustion, was absorbed from the air by the living plant matter.  Unlike biofuels, fossil fuels, which are dug out of the ground, release carbon dioxide into the air without the benefit of concurrent carbon dioxide absorption.

      In recent years, it has become apparent that reliance on the limited source of fossil fuel could easily be overcome by the use of biofuels.  While biomass can burn similarly to fossil fuel (and thus provide useful energy), its chemical properties deviate from current fuel such as diesel.  Currently, engines are designed to burn gasoline and diesel.  Biofuels tend to have higher viscosities than standard fuels, which adversely affects the fuel injector.  There are two solutions to the problem:

Alter the Fuel: Use chemically altered biodiesel
       or        
Alter Engine: Pre-heat Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO)

      It is possible to alter straight vegetable oil through a chemical process that will decrease its viscosity.  This new product is called biodiesel.  Our ultimate goal, however, is to have a sustainable source of mechanical power in rural villages.  The biodiesel chemical process requires chemicals and equipment, thus for remote rural communities biodiesel is not a more sustainable option than diesel. The village still depends on imported goods.   Vegetable oils can easily be grown, pressed, and filtered locally, thus providing a truly sustainable option.

      The only viable option for such a situation is to alter the engine’s fuel delivery system.  By heating the oil before it is injected into the engine, the viscosity will decrease.  In this way, one can run a standard diesel engine off of straight vegetable oil.