Understanding Biodiesel & synthetic fuels

shrk_18 · 25th September 2023, 07:35

What category would the Indian Oil XtraGreen fall under ? Is there a risk of injector clogging with long term use on modern diesel engines ?

ngp1795 · 22nd February 2025, 09:11

Hi, I appreciate your effort to bring in new ideas to the table and make intuitive minds brainstorm on them, from what I have gathered over the years trying to make a shift towards a cleaner bio-fuel which can be systematically replenished - I think that a long forgotten engine configuration could solve a big problem, I would like to hear your opinion on the same.

1. Change from reciprocating IC engine to a Turboshaft engine

The reason why I suggest this is because with these engines in an automobile we can improve the fuel efficiency and hence compensate for the general low energy density of bio-fuels like bio diesel.

Then there is the simplicity of the engine itself and the elegance of easy adaptation to a wide range of fuels - essentially a more tolerant engine with good range of adjustments.

2. Could we not couple this sort of a propulsion to an electric drivetrain to balance the biggest issue of the engine itself - idling.

The turboshafts are efficient as long as a vehicle is on the move - once we are stuck in slow traffic or in a situation where the original reciprocating engine would keep on idling smoothly turboshafts become really inefficient and expensive.

But if we use todays stop-start tech can we not bypass this critical flaw and since we are eliminating the traditional transmission and driveline components to electric motors, the overall losses within the drivetrain can be significantly reduced.

3. As a farmer myself I see great potential in turning biomass into fuel grade products if a monitoring agency or a system is set in place to ensure quality control and distribution.

This could rejuvenate the agrarian culture - making farmers the biggest contributors of the nation's mobility based energy requirements.

By doing this we are going carbon negative and this could be leveraged in the international domain to benefit policies and funds that promote enterprises that work towards attaining carbon neutrality.

So in essence I think that with some minor modifications and changes - [and as a purist who is in love with the reciprocating IC engine I say this with a heavy heart] - could we not achieve the following,

I. Continuation of a balanced mobility platform that does not compromise on performance, range or ecological aspects

II. A competitive market in the fuel sector - essentially weeding out the monopoly of giants

III. Plenty of options for cost effective transportation for every individual.

IV. A sustainable in-house energy production unit that is harmonious with the ecosystem and harmless to the future generations.

25th September 2023, 07:35	#16
shrk_18 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bharat Posts: 181 Thanked: 466 Times	Re: Understanding Biodiesel & synthetic fuels What category would the Indian Oil XtraGreen fall under ? Is there a risk of injector clogging with long term use on modern diesel engines ?
	() Thanks

22nd February 2025, 09:11	#17
ngp1795 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2025 Location: Kannur Posts: 2 Thanked: Once	Re: Understanding Biodiesel & synthetic fuels Hi, I appreciate your effort to bring in new ideas to the table and make intuitive minds brainstorm on them, from what I have gathered over the years trying to make a shift towards a cleaner bio-fuel which can be systematically replenished - I think that a long forgotten engine configuration could solve a big problem, I would like to hear your opinion on the same. 1. Change from reciprocating IC engine to a Turboshaft engine The reason why I suggest this is because with these engines in an automobile we can improve the fuel efficiency and hence compensate for the general low energy density of bio-fuels like bio diesel. Then there is the simplicity of the engine itself and the elegance of easy adaptation to a wide range of fuels - essentially a more tolerant engine with good range of adjustments. 2. Could we not couple this sort of a propulsion to an electric drivetrain to balance the biggest issue of the engine itself - idling. The turboshafts are efficient as long as a vehicle is on the move - once we are stuck in slow traffic or in a situation where the original reciprocating engine would keep on idling smoothly turboshafts become really inefficient and expensive. But if we use todays stop-start tech can we not bypass this critical flaw and since we are eliminating the traditional transmission and driveline components to electric motors, the overall losses within the drivetrain can be significantly reduced. 3. As a farmer myself I see great potential in turning biomass into fuel grade products if a monitoring agency or a system is set in place to ensure quality control and distribution. This could rejuvenate the agrarian culture - making farmers the biggest contributors of the nation's mobility based energy requirements. By doing this we are going carbon negative and this could be leveraged in the international domain to benefit policies and funds that promote enterprises that work towards attaining carbon neutrality. So in essence I think that with some minor modifications and changes - [and as a purist who is in love with the reciprocating IC engine I say this with a heavy heart] - could we not achieve the following, I. Continuation of a balanced mobility platform that does not compromise on performance, range or ecological aspects II. A competitive market in the fuel sector - essentially weeding out the monopoly of giants III. Plenty of options for cost effective transportation for every individual. IV. A sustainable in-house energy production unit that is harmonious with the ecosystem and harmless to the future generations.
	() Thanks