Ethyl ester of rapeseed used as a biodiesel fuel - A case study

Abstract

A 1994 Dodge 2500 turbocharged and intercooled diesel pickup fueled with 100% ethyl ester of rapeseed oil was driven by personnel representing the University of Idaho, Agricultural Engineering Department from Moscow, Idaho to Los Angeles, California and back to Moscow and then from Moscow to Ocean City, Maryland, east of Washington, D.C. and back to Moscow, Idaho. These trips covered a total of 14,069 km (8742 miles). The truck averaged 776 km/l (18.7 mile/gal) using 1772 1 (468 gal) of ethyl ester of rapeseed oil fuel. No problems or unusual events were encountered with the truck's operation. The truck was completely unmodified as to the engine and fuel system. The fuel required for the trip was all processed in the Agricultural Engineering Laboratory at the University of Idaho and was carried on-board as no refueling facilities were available away from Moscow, Idaho. This is believed to be the first cost-to-coast and back run on 100% biodiesel.