TURNING BACKUP GENERATORS INTO GREEN ENGINES WITH BIODIESEL

摘要

Backup emergency generators represent a valuablernresource in meeting fluctuating power needs throughoutrnthe country. Biodiesel has the potential to turn these unitsrninto “green generators” and increase usage of therngenerators and biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel is produced fromrnvarious vegetable oils, especially from soybeans, as well asrnfrom animal fats and used cooking oil. Biodiesel offersrnmany advantages in terms of handling and storage, enginernperformance and maintenance, as well as environmentally.rnBiodiesel also carries concerns about operationally,rnenvironmentally and economically. However, thesernconcerns are being addressed among facility managers,rnutilities and environmental agencies. The net effect is thatrnbiodiesel represents a largely untapped opportunity, up tornnow, to turn otherwise unproductive standby generatorrnassets into more valuable renewable resources. There isrngrowing experience around the U.S. with biodiesel inrnstandby generators to make this a real energy managementrnoption.