ARF09 - Combined heat and power system using cold-pressed oilseed oil

| Alternative Renewable Fuels - Project Summaries 2006 |

Researcher:

William Kemp, Powerbase Automation Systems Inc.

Objectives:

1. Develop a viscosity transformation technology to allow cold-pressed oilseed oils to fuel a stationary, combined heat and power generation unit.
2. Verify the technical and financial feasibility of the system.
3. Commercialize the technology in Ontario using established distribution network of partner companies.
4. Expand sales to other jurisdictions similar to existing Powerbase technology.

Expected Benefits:

The conversion of oilseed oils into low-viscosity fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) is well known.  Powerbase has investigated the feasibility of using cold-pressed oilseed oil to directly fuel a compression ignition engine, in a combined heat and power system.  Using waste heat from the engine to perform viscosity transformation creates a low-cost, diesel fuel-like renewable energy fuel that can provide electrical power and thermal energy.  Agriculture could use off-specification oilseed, gaining income from waste product.  Protein meal would be available for additional markets and applications.

Summary of Research Results:

The technological aspects of using oilseed oil as fuel for a heat and power system have been achieved during the project with de-gummed vegetable oil replacing diesel fuel in a compression ignition engine. With proper control of various factors related to the fuel and the engine, a compression ignition engine will operate using oilseed oil as fuel, providing virtually the same amount of power as No. 2 diesel for a given volume of fuel.

In order for this technology to be commercialized and of a major benefit to the agricultural community, the oil used as fuel must have little alternate value or be a by-product of, or integral to a process that provides other value to the farmer. Further research needs to be conducted to determine how these criteria can be met.