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EXERGETIC ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM BOTH FRESH AND WASTE GROUNDNUT OIL USING ALKALI CATALYST METHOD

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

The growing global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has sparked significant research interest in biodiesel production. Biodiesel, derived from biological sources, presents a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels, offering advantages such as biodegradability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and compatibility with existing diesel engines (Demirbas, 2009). Among the various feed stocks available for biodiesel production, groundnut oil stands out due to its high oil content and widespread availability, making it a viable option for large-scale biodiesel production (Meher et al., 2006).

Biodiesel production from groundnut oil can utilize either fresh or waste oil. Fresh groundnut oil, known for its purity and high-quality biodiesel yield, comes at a higher cost and raises concerns about competition with the food industry, leading to ethical and economic considerations (Gui et al., 2008). On the other hand, waste groundnut oil, typically sourced from food processing and frying operations, offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative. However, it presents challenges such as elevated levels of free fatty acids and impurities, which can impact the transesterification process and the final product quality (Issariyakul & Dalai, 2014).

The alkali-catalyzed transesterification method is widely adopted for biodiesel production due to its efficiency and relatively quick reaction times. This process involves the reaction of triglycerides in the oil with an alcohol, typically methanol, in the presence of an alkali catalyst such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of biodiesel (methyl esters) and glycerol as a by-product (Freedman et al., 1986). Despite its advantages, the alkali-catalyzed method requires precise control of reaction conditions and feedstock quality to optimize yields and minimize by-products (Ma & Hanna, 1999).

Exergy analysis has emerged as a crucial tool for evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of biodiesel production processes. Unlike traditional energy analysis, which focuses solely on energy quantity, exergy analysis considers the quality and work potential of energy, providing a more comprehensive assessment of system performance (Dincer & Rosen, 2013). By identifying and quantifying the irreversibilities and losses within the production process, exergy analysis highlights areas for potential improvement and efficiency enhancement (Zhang et al., 2011).

Integrating exergy analysis with economic analysis offers a deeper understanding of the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of biodiesel production from fresh and waste groundnut oil. This combined approach takes into account factors such as feedstock costs, catalyst usage, energy consumption, and environmental impacts, enabling a comparative evaluation of the benefits and challenges associated with each feedstock. It guides decision-making towards more sustainable and

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