Alternative Energy Sources

Subareas of Interest:

• Improving the Biodiesel Conversion Process

Guang Jin and Thomas Bierma, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University
Project Dates: 6/5/06 – 4/15/07

Whole-cell Biocatalysts for Producing Biodiesel from Waste Fats

This seed-level research project will focus on whether the micro-organisms that produce four popular lipases used in biodiesel synthesis can catalyze transesterification of yellow grease high in free fatty acids (FFA). The ability to use whole organisms in place of either alkali or purified enzyme catalysts could allow low-cost transesterification of high-FFA waste fats.

Joshua Strege, University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center
Project Dates: 6/15/06 – 4/15/07

Low-temperature Diesel Fuels, Additives, and Chemicals from Vegetable Oils

With seed-level funding, these researchers are working to develop an economical process for converting vegetable oil into a biodiesel fuel suitable for use in cold weather. Among the benefits to farmers and biodiesel producers will be the local production of a fuel that does not have cloud point or gel point issues during winter months, the potential reduction in the cost of this fuel as compared to conventional biodiesel, and the probable elimination of any glycerin by-product that are likely to become costly waste streams as the biodiesel industry increases in scale.