Impact/Purpose:

Low prices for agricultural products in combination with high and unpredictable energy prices challenge the self-sustainability of small scale farms. Canola, a biodiesel feedstock, can be grown, converted to fuel, and utilized all on the same farm. The fuel produced from canola can be used to supply power to farm equipment either directly as fuel for diesel powered implements or indirectly via a diesel powered electric generator. This project demonstrates a route to increased self-sustainability of small scale farms that relies on green engineering.

Description:

The educational mission of the university will be met in two ways. First, students who are involved in the project will enhance their learning through their participation in the interdisciplinary solution of a real-world problem. Second, the students will demonstrate the viability of the solution to farmers and other consumers at a “field day” put on by the Agricultural Research Station.

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT( ABSTRACT )

Start Date:08/31/2007

Completion Date:07/31/2008

Record ID: 186629

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Related Organizations:

Role :OWNER

Organization Name :JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

Citation :Harrisonburg

State :VA

Zip Code :22807



Role :OWNER

Organization Name :VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Mailing Address :Box 9001 1 Hayden Dr

Citation :Petersburg

State :VA

Zip Code :23806

Project Information:

Approach :

We will use the award to purchase diesel powered electric generators that will be operated by students as part of our canola-to-fuel project. Our expected output is demonstration of the use of pure biodiesel (B100) to operate electric generators. Our results will include comparisons of fuel consumption rate, tail pipe emissions, and engine wear between engines that are fueled by petroleum diesel and biodiesel. The outcome of the research will be the realization by small scale farmers that prosperity can be achieved through self-sustainability, and that self-sustainability can be realized through the production and use of biodiesel.

Cost :$9,674.00

Research Component :Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development

Approach :

We will use the award to purchase diesel powered electric generators that will be operated by students as part of our canola-to-fuel project. Our expected output is demonstration of the use of pure biodiesel (B100) to operate electric generators. Our results will include comparisons of fuel consumption rate, tail pipe emissions, and engine wear between engines that are fueled by petroleum diesel and biodiesel. The outcome of the research will be the realization by small scale farmers that prosperity can be achieved through self-sustainability, and that self-sustainability can be realized through the production and use of biodiesel.

Cost :$9,674.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Agriculture

Project IDs:

ID Code :SU833506

Project type :EPA Grant