Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Terrestrial Biomass Waste for Sustainable Biodiesel Production in CI Engines

Globally, there is a growing demand for alternative fuels and biodiesel has been recognized as a viable substitute for petroleum-based diesel. This research produces biofuels through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of terrestrial biomass. In the HTL reactor, biomass (sugarcane wastes) serves as the feedstock and after processing, bio-oil is generated. Subsequently, bio-oil-diesel blends (B5, B10, B15 and B20) are prepared, tested across various engine load configurations and their performance and emissions are recorded and compared. The experiments are carried out using a single-cylinder, water-cooled compression ignition engine equipped with an eddy current dynamometer. Among all the blends, B15 performs best in terms of both performance and emission characteristics. Therefore, biofuel derived from biomass waste (such as sugarcane waste) can serve as a substitute for diminishing fossil fuels in existing compression ignition engines. It also helps reduce harmful gases emitted by conventional fossil fuels, thus protecting the environment.