Feasibility study of using 2nd generation biodiesel (HVO) as motor fuel in Hong Kong
Grant Data
Project Title
Feasibility study of using 2nd generation biodiesel (HVO) as motor fuel in Hong Kong
Principal Investigator
Professor Leung, Yiu Cheong Dennis
(Principal Investigator (PI))
Co-Investigator(s)
Dr Lo Joe
(Co-Investigator)
Duration
15
Start Date
2020-07-01
Completion Date
2021-09-30
Amount
1145000
Conference Title
Feasibility study of using 2nd generation biodiesel (HVO) as motor fuel in Hong Kong
Keywords
2nd generation biodiesel (HVO), Feasibility study, Hong Kong, motor fuel
Discipline
Fuel Engineering
Panel
Engineering (E)
HKU Project Code
ECF Project 104/2019
Grant Type
Environment and Conservation Fund
Funding Year
2019
Status
Completed
Objectives
Biodiesel is one of the best alternative fuels and additives for diesel engine. Since its first development, biodiesel production has undergone two generations of development. First generation is produced when feedstock undergoes esterification to generate methyl esters. Though it can reduce some air pollutants, NOx emissions may be increased, which is undesirable particularly in Hong Kong which has high NOx problem. Second Generation Biofuel – HVO hydrotreat vegetable oils or animal fats for production, which do not have the detrimental effects of ester-type biodiesel fuels, like increased NOx emission, deposit formation, storage stability problems, more rapid aging of engine oil or poor cold properties. Literature results indicated that the environmental benefits of HVO exceed that of the ester-type biodiesel. Currently, EU and USA have adopted HVO which can be blended with diesel in amounts up to 100%. Though HVO has so many distinct advantages, it is new to Hong Kong as there is not any study conducted in Hong Kong since its invention years ago. This study aims to investigate the real benefits of HVO as an automotive fuel in Hong Kong. The study result will be a good reference for the HKSAR Government when considering its biofuel policy for automobiles.