Lipids
as
a
Source
of
Biodiesel-
Lipids are accumulated in seeds of many plant species like sunflower, rapeseed, linseed, soybean, safflower, peanut, olive, etc. and by some algae. The lipids have high energy value and can be burnt to heat boilers or used as diesel engine fuel. However, the oils are not easily injectable into the engine combustion chamber due to their high viscosity.
This problem is overcome by producing esters of the lipid fatty acids. The esterified lipid fatty acids constitute 'biodiesel' and can be used in unblended form in normal diesel engine with little or no modification in the engine. Use of such a biodiesel is expected to produce much lower emissions than diesel, but the cost of production of biodiesel is the limiting factor.
