An evaluation of algae biofuel as the next generation alternative fuel and its effects on engine characteristics: A review

Abstract

Algae biofuels represent one of the most promising solutions to the current global energy crisis and climate change because of their potentially high yield, high production rate, biodegradability, non toxicity, carbon neutrality, and low emission profile. Moreover, non-arable land and non-potable water can be used for the production of algae biofuel with minimal attention and resource consumption. In this study, we compared algae biofuel and other conventional biofuels in terms of performance as well as combustion and emission characteristics of compression ignition engines. A thorough review of the available relevant literature and a critical analysis has been presented. The study results indicate that algae biofuel blends can be efficiently used as an alternative, renewable, and eco-friendly fuels without major modification to the existing engine. Algae biofuels contain an optimal combination of unsaturated fatty acids and oxygenated nature, the presence of excess oxygen molecules facilitates complete combustion of fuel resulting in better thermal performance along with reduced undesirable emission. This clean and green fuel is definitely the fuel of the future.