Animal fat (tallow) as fuel for stationary internal combustion engines

[摘要] The main aim of this thesis is to verify the suitability of waste animal fat, obtained from animal by-products in a process called rendering, as a fuel for internal combustion engines. This work is an attempt to provide guidance and minimal requirements for animal fat to be utilised as fuel.The properties of tallow were monitored on a weekly basis throughout a period of one year. Some properties, namely acidity, showed significant variability. Possible reasons causing variable and high acidity are given together with a proposal for an acidity removal method.The available laboratory facilities enabled the verification of changes in fat's viscosity, density, surface tension and lubricity in a range of temperatures. The impact of storage temperature on deterioration in tallow quality was investigated over a period of one month.The available emission control systems have been reviewed and a solution choice has been made, based on legal and economic criteria. A summary of two thousand hours operation of the 800 kW generating set using neat fat is provided.The renewable electricity generation subsidising system in the United Kingdom has been reviewed. A basic feasibility study for the installed generating set was prepared and the highest tallow price at which electricity generation is profitable was determined.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

[关键词] T Technology;TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering