VPS publishes white paper on role of accurate energy content measurement in biofuels

VPS published a white paper covering one specific test parameter: the energy content of biofuels. Energy Content is a key parameter, representing the amount of heat transferred within the combustion chamber during the burn process and indicates the available energy from the fuel.

As explained, higher energy content results in higher power generation and better combustion efficiency. The energy content has a direct impact on fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, and is therefore an important parameter for Ship Operators to consider in preparation for the EU ETS. The paper covers a range of fuel types, from 100% FAME through to FAME blends with MGO, HFO and VLSFO.

VPS highlights that biofuels have the benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as compared to conventional carbon-based marine fuels such as MGO, VLSFO and HSFO. However, the physical and chemical properties of biofuels vary considerably as compared to conventional fossil fuels. In addition, biofuels have more batch to batch and supplier to supplier variability as they are natural products.

As a result, biofuels have several characteristics which need to be measured to mitigate operational problems when used on board sea-going vessels. VPS has carried out significant research across numerous parameters that enable these characteristics to be measured and controlled. VPS research has shown that by using these test methods, biofuels can be used as drop-in fuels on board vessels enabling the benefits of such fuels to be realised in the shipping sector.

This paper refers to energy content, which is an important parameter of a fuel as it represents the amount of heat transferred within the combustion chamber during the burn process and indicates the available energy of the fuel. Higher energy content results in higher power generation and better combustion efficiency. The energy content of the fuel has a direct impact on the fuel economy and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. This paper covers a range of fuel types, from 100% FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) through FAME blended with MGO, VLSFO and HSFO.