Biofuel Production

Part of the advanced range, the Biofuel Production teaching solution offers a hands-on demonstration of the biofuel production process through structured student experiments. This table top solution, includes all necessary components in a portable case. The process begins with selecting resources and initiating fermentation, followed by distillation of the resulting mash using a custom condenser. The produced ethanol is then characterised. To convert the biofuel into usable energy, students can use the included ethanol fuel cell to generate electricity. Beyond bioethanol, the kit also demonstrates biodiesel production via the transesterification of fats, providing a comprehensive exploration of biofuel generation.

Learning Objectives:

• Production of biodiesel (FAME) from fats and oils
• Extraction of fats from groceries or oil plants
• Differences between cooking oil and FAME
• Fermentation on the basis of different sugars
• Proof of CO2 by a calcium hydroxide solution
• Link between reaction speed and temperature
• Distillation of fermented mash
• Working principle of the fuel cell
• Recording the characteristic curve of a 15% solution
• Temperature dependence of the power
• Concentration dependence of the power and the characteristic curve

(RE3357 and a Bunsen burner are essential for this solution)

(Curriculum available online with the renewables range is a sample. Full contents on the workbook will be supplied upon purchase)