Biodiesel Produced from Waste Oils Collected at University Canteens

Biodiesel produced from waste oils at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ) facilities in Samsun. Under the leadership of Dr. Fevzi Şahin, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at OMÜ Faculty of Engineering, and with the contribution of Dr. Gürkan Kara and Dr. Cengiz Görkem Dengiz, work that began approximately one year ago has resulted in biodiesel production from waste oils collected from the university's cafeterias, restaurants and canteens. The biodiesel is produced in the faculty laboratory for use in the university's diesel-powered service vehicles and generators, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions. The university's restaurants, canteens and cafeterias generate approximately 300 litres of waste oil monthly. Under the project scope, 55 litres of biodiesel produced from this waste oil has begun to be used in the university's generators. Şahin stated that OMÜ has put forward a vision on the path to becoming a research university, and in this context issued a call for projects on climate change, sustainability and clean production. Şahin noted that the project they prepared under the call, titled "Biodiesel Production from Campus Waste Oils for Use in the University's Service Vehicles," was accepted. He indicated that they have carried out biodiesel production from waste oils obtained from cafeterias, canteens and restaurants within the university.

Pointing out that they measured the engine performance and emission values of the produced biodiesel, Şahin continued as follows:

"Through our measurements, we have demonstrated that the biodiesel, which is an alternative fuel we produced, is a quality product. In this way, while reducing the fuel consumption purchased for diesel-powered service vehicles and generators at our university, we also anticipate a significant reduction in our university's carbon emissions." Şahin also mentioned that they conducted a cost analysis, stating: "When we include glycerin, a natural byproduct of biodiesel, in our cost analysis, we are able to produce biodiesel below the market price of diesel. As a result, by producing biodiesel from waste oils, we have carried out a project that demonstrates its importance both economically and environmentally for our university and our country. We are continuing our efforts to scale up biodiesel production."   Source