Autonomous Biodiesel Production Unit "Daedalus" a Complete Solution for Rural Sustainable Biodiesel (original) (raw)

Autonomous Biodiesel Production Unit "Daedalus" a Complete Solution for Rural Sustainable Biodiesel

In the framework of this study, we present the experience of the Technical University of Crete for the design and construction of "Daedalus", probably the world's first autonomous biodiesel production unit. This innovative unit is already operational in the University Campus, producing biodiesel from different feed-stocks. In additional, this work examines some initial results from the quality tests of the produced biodiesel as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the unit.The data required for the optimum design of this unit were obtained from a wide study on the existing literature and experience on biodiesel units. The goal of this project was the development and operation of a prototype for autonomous small scale biodiesel production. The energy autonomy is based in the exploitation of the solar radiation for the efficient production of heat and electricity. The combination of different renewable energy sources transform this unit to an innovate product whic...