Performance of Agricultural Machines using Advanced Biofuels

• Grant number: 23/03121-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Agricultural Machinery and Implements
• Principal Investigator: Barbara Janet Teruel Mederos
• Grantee: Fernando Daniel Finger
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Agrícola (FEAGRI). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition, AP.CCD

Abstract

The introduction of biofuels that generate less pollutant emissions, with good mechanical performance in agricultural machinery and implements, is necessary. For compression-ignition engines, which is the predominant form of propulsion in agricultural machinery, the use of ester-based biodiesel is already a reality, with a percentage of 10% added to Brazilian commercial diesel. But this is not the only decarbonization alternative for this type of propulsion. Green diesel or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil - HVO, methane gas (CH4) and Dimethyl Ether (DME) are promising alternatives, but still require evaluations and, mainly, adaptations of rural equipment, whether new or in use. The opportunity that arises then is, include other biofuels in the Brazilian energy matrix, diversifying the supply of fuels used in agricultural machinery. The objectives to be achieved are:*Identify the opportunities and challenges with the use of green diesel or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil - HVO, methane gas (CH4) and dimethyl ether (DME) in compression ignition engines applied to tractors and agricultural machines, delimiting the ideal situations for your job. * Compare the total cost of ownership (TCO - Total Cost of Ownership) of fuels;* Technological challenges of using each fuel;* Environmental benefits from the use of advanced biofuels.