An overview to process design, simulation and sustainability evaluation of biodiesel production

Abstract

The overwhelming concerns due to over exploitation of fossil resources necessitate the utilization of alternative energy resources. Biodiesel has been considered as one of the most adaptable alternative to fossil-derived diesel with similar properties and numerous environmental benefits. Although there are various approaches for biodiesel production, development of cost-effective and robust catalyst with efficient production methods and utilization of a variety of feedstock could be the optimum solution to bring down the production cost. Considering the complexity of biodiesel production processes, process design, quantitative evaluation and optimization of the biodiesel from whole systems perspectives is essential for unlocking the complexity and enhancing the system performances. Process systems engineering offers an efficient approach to design and optimize biodiesel manufacturing systems by using a variety of tools. This review reflects state-of-the-art biodiesel research in the field of process systems engineering with a particular focus on biodiesel production including process design and simulation, sustainability evaluation, optimization and supply chain management. This review also highlights the challenges and opportunities for the development of potentially sustainable and eco-friendly enzymatic biodiesel technology.

Could termites be hiding a goldmine of obscure yet promising yeasts for energy crisis solutions based on aromatic wastes? A critical state-of-the-art review

“…Furthermore, when compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel has the potential to reduce CO 2 emissions by 78.45% [ 34 ]. Because it could be made from vegetable oil, animal fats, or any other substance containing long chain fatty acids, biodiesel was considered a renewable resource [ 42 ]. Figure 3 depicts the regional distribution of raw materials used in the production of biodiesel [ 43 – 50 ].…”

“…Oleaginous yeasts are capable of converting CO 2 , sugars, and organic acids into oil. The ability to convert carbohydrates to lipids, as a result, makes them advantageous for the production of biofuels [ 42 , 72 ]. Certain yeast species can accumulate a wide variety of lipids between 20 and 80% (w/w) of their dry weight [ 73 ].…”

An Overview of the Latest Advances in the Catalytic Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate

“…Biodiesel is a type of biomass energy, mainly obtained through the transesterification of animal and vegetable oils with methanol, with good development prospects as it offers the advantages of green energy, low sulfur, and low pollution; thus, over the last few decades, the biodiesel industry is one of the booming industries in European, North American, and South Asian countries [2][3][4]. In order to maintain the sustainable development of the natural and social environment on which mankind depends, it is necessary to make green improvements to various existing industrial production, including the process for obtaining biodiesel [5].…”

Evaluation of different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for ethanol production from high-amylopectin BRS AG rice (Oryza sativa L.)

“…That is because burning fossil fuels, as oil, coal and natural gas emit greenhouse gases, which are the major contributors to the global temperature rise 1 . It is signposted that by 2050, a minimum 40% reduction in greenhouse gases emissions is obligatory to sustain the average increase < 1.5 °C 2 . In addition to environmental problems, fossil fuels may deplete 1 .…”