Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Microalgae and Analysis of Exhaust Emissions and Engine Performance for Biodiesel Blended

Microalgae are one of the sources of biodiesel production. In this paper, Dunaliella tertiolecta species were studied. The highest biomass production was 1.04 g/L, but the optimal biomass production and cost were 0.84 g/L for 1.48 cents/liter. The biomass to bio-oil extraction (BBE) section was used to produce biodiesel and required the heat and distilled water were provided using a hybrid solar still desalination/parabolic trough collector system. Considering the influencing factors of the transesterification process, the conversion efficiency and production cost were investigated using an experimental design. The highest conversion rate of bio-oil to biodiesel was 80.22% but the optimum conversion point and reaction cost was 70.74% at 86.4 cents per liter. To test the biodiesel produced in the engine, the variables affecting engine performance, namely the biodiesel percentage in the final fuel, engine load and engine rotational speed were used in the test design. The equations of engine power output, fuel consumption and engine emissions were obtained according to these variables. It was found that 10.7% biodiesel with a load of 9.6 N.m and rotational speed of 2060 rpm could lead to the highest power output and the lowest emissions and fuel consumption