Ethanol in Biodiesel fuel: Investigating the Effects of Ethanol on Thermal Energy Output of Biodiesel Fuel

Overview

This investigation examined how the concentration of ethanol, ranging from 5% to 25% v/v, in biodiesel, denoted as B20, affects the energy output per gram of fuel during combustion. Calorimetry, where energy output is measured using the formula Q=mcΔT, was employed to determine energy output, where water was heated, and energy output in joules (J) is divided by the mass of fuel burnt in grams (g). The investigation revealed a non-linear relationship, where energy output increased with a concentration of 10-15% v/v before decreasing with higher concentrations, with a maximum energy output of 4.36 × 10^3 J/g at 10% v/v. This is a result of a balance between increased energy output due to oxygenation and a decrease in energy output due to a lower enthalpy of combustion and a higher enthalpy of vaporization of ethanol. The hypothesis of a directly proportional relationship was not supported.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Chemistry (Senior Division) · Entry S-05-18

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