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may not necessitate the construction of a large scale THE CURRENT INITIATIVE
plant; instead smaller, compact, standalone production The preliminary concept verification analyses were
units may be obtained. A second option proposes a conducted using a laboratory-based single-cylinder diesel
collaborative approach to the biodiesel production. In engine unit. Though the fuel blend was proven to work
this option, a group of countries will agree to enter a effectively, such tests are not fully representative of larger
cost sharing agreement. One of the countries will be power generation machinery. As such, there may be
designated the biodiesel production center and a large unforeseen issues involved in scaling up such operations,
scale biodiesel production facility can be established in and modifications may be required to some components
that country. The countries will then share the cost of the of the plant to optimise the use of the blended fuel. The
biodiesel production, with each country contributing to current initiative seeks to further the gains of the preliminary
the overall costs based on its consumption of biodiesel. work by conducting a more extensive and detailed pilot
Methanol and vegetable oils will be sent to the production plant study. Thisstudy is a collaborative research venture,
center and the resulting biodiesel will then be shipped to which is spearheaded by the University of the West Indies
the various countries that are a part of the agreement. (UWI) and supported by its industrial partners. The key
The final alternative considers biodiesel obtained from a project partners include the Caribbean Electric Utility
nearby South American market. Service Corporation (CARILEC), Tracmac Engineering
Ltd., and Methanex.
Collectively, the various blend components will be stored The main objectivesof the current research initiative are:
where necessary. This may require additional storage
facilities for the methanol and biodiesel components • To determine the key requirements for the implementation
in some countries. Subsequently, the blend will be of the fuel blend at an active power generation plant,
developed in the country in question, at the site of the delivering power to a load;
power plant. Accordingly, the proposed energy supply • To identify and categorize the unforeseen factors
chain incorporates the four characteristic stages of involved in utilising the fuel blend in an active power plant;
Caribbean power generation, but in a different manner • To develop methods for addressing the unforeseen
from the diesel and fuel oil energy chains. Figure 2 shows factors;
a schematic of the proposed methanol/vegetable oil • To optimize the operations of the plant for the new fuel
chain.

Figure 2: Schematic of Methanol/Vegetable Oil Blend Energy Supply Chain

blend; to allow for performance and condition monitoring over the
• To determine changes to maintenance schedules that duration of the test period. The test period will run for a
may be required when using the new fuel blend with a period of 6 to 8 months using the biofuel/methanol blend.
diesel generator set. The power generated from the pilot plant will supplement
the Campus’ energy load, temporarily replacing the current
A pilot diesel power generation station will be installed at power supply for a specific group of buildings; the mains
the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine Campus), supply will be reserved as backup. The various aspects of
including installation of a generator set, fuel system, fuel the project will be supervised by the project partner with
storage tanks and connection to the Faculty of Engineering the greatest requisite expertise and the UWI will provide
electrical supply. The diesel generator will be instrumented overall direction and management of the project.
INDUSTRY JOURNAL 12