Among the many projects in the homes that incorporate solar energy is the use of passive solar for biodiesel storage. Cold weather usually blocks the flow of fuel and fuel pumps. Biodiesel is the type of fuel obtained from bio gas of crops, livestock and food wastes and is used for cooking or heating and by some vehicles. The problem of storing biodiesel in cold season can be solved by using passive solar biodiesel storage.
This involves the use of passive easy to build solar sheds that heat themselves up with sun energy. Any vehicles using biodiesel or containers of biodiesel must be kept in heated conditions. This type of storage involves using renewable resources that help to contribute to environmental protection; that is the sunshine. Well monitored, these sheds of sunshine storage can keep fuel to 25 degrees above outside temperatures.
How to solve the chilling problems of bio fuels?
In using biodiesel, certain problems may arise like the chilly problems of bio fuels including gelling, the fuel lines and injectors clogging. The oil may also saturate or cloud. These are problems that can be solved by proper use of biodiesel storage facilities like the solar sheds described below. When biodiesel gels, it is not realistic to dissolve the accumulated crystals by reheating it. Heating the fuel may lead to.
The Solar sheds
Stored solar heat can be used to generate electricity that can help to keep biodiesel warm and flowing. To do this, a solar shed is required. These are houses made from wood, straw and clay. The interior of such a house have a lot of thermal mass for storage of captured solar energy. This is in form of adobe blocks, concrete floors and walls with fiber tubes that can take in the sun from outer space. The thermal mass material is dense to capture and store the heat from the sun. Proper venting systems are used to ensure spreading of the solar heat to cooler interiors and moveable insulation will enhance their workability in winter.
The solar shed construction can however be a tedious process that takes a lot of energy and time but the end results are worthwhile. This kind of structure will survive temperature changes as its temperature is constant. The solar structure may be constructed to meet the desired need therefore its size will depend on the storage needs. Some people may prefer insulating the interior of the shed with straw. However, this may be dangerous in case of fire. The solar shed method of storing biodiesel is very practical and efficient in the long run.
Safety measure to consider
In using solar energy for biodiesel storage, it is appropriate to remember the biodiesel properties for safe storage. For instance, biodiesel is a solvent that is a solvent, hydrophilic and oxidizes therefore will also react with air thus becoming unusable. The chemicals used in making biodiesel can be extremely dangerous if not handled carefully. That is why passive solar biodiesel storage is appropriate for winter environments only. For other cases, steel and plastic drums can be used for storage of biodiesel.
The advantage of using a solar shed for such purposes is that after winter, the space can be used for something different like a backyard or garage. This is a simple and effective way for storing biodiesel and definitely has no regrets. In conclusion, anyone living in cold winter regions of the world may need to put some effort into this kind of project for a stress free winter period. After all life is to be enjoyed throughout all seasons!
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