A ‘green’ research project aimed at developing effective, local prod ...

A ‘green’ research project aimed at developing effective, local production of non-esterified biofuels from recycled vegetable oils has been announced by UCE Birmingham’s Technology Innovation Centre (TIC). TIC is managing a new research consortium that includes two Hereford-based businesses, fuel producer Longma Biofuels and static power generation systems specialist First Energy Holdings, together with international fuel additives company Associated Octel. The initiative is being supported by the Carbon Trust and focuses on fuel for static power-generation - known as CHP (combined heat and power), itself an energy-saving means of community heating. The research project aims to provide a stepping-stone towards the wider acceptance of pure plant-oil based biofuel-blends in the transport sector. TIC has already explored with local authorities the possibilities of recycling discarded vegetable oils from local schools, hospitals and other institutional and commercial kitchens, into biofuels that can be used in council fleet vehicles. The18-month long BioGen-Local project will experiment with a 50:50 blend of biofuel and conventional diesel. Using First Energy’s expertise to assemble a static, combined heat and power generator unit, fuelled by Longma’s blended biofuel, the TIC-led team will test a combination of Octel additives. Wide-ranging research will explore fully the ideal mix of combustion enhancers, detergents, emulsifiers and water that will provide optimum engine performance and mechanical wear.