Course code Ener5007
Credit points 3
Alternative Fuels and Oils
Total Hours in Course81
Number of hours for lectures32
Independent study hours49
Date of course confirmation21.09.2011
Responsible UnitInstitute of Engineering and Energetics
Course developer
Inženiertehnikas un enerģētikas institūts
Ruslans Šmigins
Dr. sc. ing.
Course abstract
Students make acquaintance with information about first, second and third generation biofuels for internal combustion engines, as also bio-oils. They acquire biomass conversion processes for biofuel production, as also clarify utilization trends for the products. Students also will get knowledge on physico-chemical properties of fuels, material compatibility, fuel impact on fuel injection system and characterical problems during fuel usage, as also socio-economic and ecologic aspects of it usage.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
• Knowledge - students gets theoretical knowledge on biomass conversion processes, physico-chemical properties of biofuels, material compatibility, fuel impact on fuel injection system and characterical problems during usage.
• Skills - students are able to use their knowledge realizing calculations for comparision and evaluation of different types of biofuels. Their are capable to analyse and evaluate acquired information on biofuel usage.
• Competence - students are able to define and analyze problems of biofuel usage in internal combustion engines. They are capable to fortify their position and integrate their knowledge into other fields and further studies.
Compulsory reading
1. Gulbis V. Iekšdedzes motoru biodegvielas. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 320 lpp.
2. Kalniņš A. Biodegviela: ražošanas un izmantošanas iespējas Latvijā: saimnieciski – ekonomiskais novērtējums. Rīga, 2005. 166 lpp.
3. Kalniņš A. Ekonomiskais vērtējums par Vācijas pieredzi rapša eļļas degvielas un biodīzeļdegvielas pielietošanas lietderību Latvijas apstākļos. Rīga: LATBIO Konsultāciju centrs. Rīga, 2006. 129 lpp.
4. Gulbis V., Birzietis G. Par biodīzeļdegvielas kvalitāti, lai tuvinātu biodīzeļdegvielas īpašību kopumu fosilās dīzeļdegvielas īpašībām. Rīga: Uzņēmumu Vadības Institūts, 2006. 116 lpp.
Further reading
1. Speight J. G. Synthetic fuels Handbook: properties, process and performance. New York: McGraw Hill, 2008. 422 p.
2. Bechtold R. L. Alternative fuels guidebook: properties, storage, dispensing and vehicle facility modifications. Warendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers, 1997. 204 p.
3. CI engine performance for use with alternative fuels: SAE, 2008. 390 p.