Physico-Chemical Parameters Analysis, Storage Studies and Performance Evaluation of Biodiesel under Cold Desert Condition Mustafa Syed Basharat1,*, Acharya Somen1, Prakash Banu1, Singh Shashi Bala1 1Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh-Ladakh *Email ID: mustafabasharat@rediffmail.com
Abstract The major part of all energy consumed worldwide comes from fossil sources (petroleum, coal and natural gas). However, these sources are limited, and will be exhausted by the near future. Biodiesels are among those alternative fuels, which promise a harmonious correlation with sustainable development, energy conservation, efficiency and environmental preservation. Ladakh is situated at an altitude of 8,500 to 15,000 ft which is one of the most inhospitable terrains of its kind in the world. It remains cutoff from rest of the world during winter months for about six months. Hence diesel fuels have to be stored for a long period of time to avoid shortage of fuel during winter. Keeping in view the aim of the study was to carry out some physico-chemical parameter analysis, effect of storage conditions and performance evaluation of different biodiesel blends with winter diesel under subzero cold desert conditions of Ladakh. Different biodiesel blends were tested according to the ASTM standards. The storage study indicated that biodiesel blends with winter diesel upto B20 does not freeze even at a temperature of -170C and can be used safely. Viscosity study at −50C showed that, kinematic viscosity of different blend were slightly higher than winter diesel. Cloud and pour point of B20 was -9.5 and -130C respectively. With the use of antifreezing agents like DMSO or glycerol biodiesel blends with ATF upto B20 can be safely used even at a temperature of -300C. The study showed the feasibility of biodiesel blends usage (upto B20) in different vehicles upto a temperature of -170C in cold desert conditions of Ladakh. Top Keywords Physico-chemical properties, Antifreezing characteristics, Biodiesel, Jatropha curcas, Ladakh. Top |