Optimization and modelling of mahua oil biodiesel using RSM and genetic algorithm techniques

In this present investigation, four important process parameters of catalyst concentration, molar ratio, reaction time, and reaction temperature were studied and optimized using Box Behnken assisted response surface method (RSM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to achieve the maximum mahua oil biodiesel yield. For this purpose, 27 experiments were conducted randomly based on the design matrix using statistical software MiniTab®2019. A maximum yield of 91.32 % is achieved in RSM, catalyst concentration and reaction time are identified as influence parameters in biodiesel yield. GA modelling show an improvement of 4.96 % in biodiesel yield compared to RSM approach. Both techniques are successfully tested in prediction and modelling the biodiesel yield from mahua oil. The obtained biodiesel from the transesterification process is blended with standard diesel fuel at various proportions (B10 to B90) and tested for different fuel properties. All the biodiesel blends are observed within the limits of international standards of ASTMD-6751 and EN-14214. The results indicate that the chosen models are highly accurate in achieving maximum biodiesel yield and mahua biodiesel is recommended as the best alternative fuel to diesel engines without any major modifications in the engine design.