Application of Induction Heating Technique in Biodiesel Production

This research paper deals with production of biodiesel by transesterification using induction heating process. Optimization of process parameters for biodiesel production to obtain maximum yield using Taguchi technique has been performed, and the effect of changing molar ratio, time of reaction and power of the induction heater have been investigated, and the results are discussed. Signal-to-noise ratio, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and orthogonal array are implemented for its determination. Comparison for yield of biodiesel produced, optimal time and specific energy consumption has been made between different methods of biodiesel production such as induction heating, microwave irradiation, mechanical stirring and ultrasonic cavitation. The optimal time for maximization of yield was found to be 60 s, optimal molar ratio 8:1 and optimal power was found to be 1600 W for a yield of 92.45% for a sample size of 100 g which is comparable to other methods. The SEC of biodiesel formed by induction heating method was found to be 281 W h/kg which is lesser than magnetic stirring and hydrodynamic cavitation and comparable to ultrasonic cavitation.