Solar 2011: Investigations of the energy content of various bio-fuel grades

The purpose of the investigation is to determine the energy content present in various bio-fuels and compare these results with diesel fuel. Calorimeter tests of the tested fuels were used to calculate the specific heat of combustion (Higher Heating Value or HHV). The HHV was then used to determine the Lower Heating Value (LHV). The results from the calorimeter tests were used to determine which composition of fatty acid methyl esters of bio-fuels produced energy content values comparable to their theoretical values and petroleum diesel. Experimental results for diesel no. 2 were less than 1% the LHV of diesel no. 2 value from literature, proving the accuracy of the calorimeter test procedures. Results indicate that 20% peanut biodiesel shows the most potential to replace petroleum diesel based on energy content. The percent difference of the experimental values from the theoretical value of diesel fuel ranged between 3 and 3.5%.