Converting Fish Wastes to Biodiesel: Net Energy and Cost Implications
Write a detailed paper explaining this new technique of producing biodiesel from fish wastes.
In the introduction, explain what fish wastes are and why they are a vital source of energy. Describe how sustainable the method is and give reasons.
In the body paragraphs:
Describe, in full detail, all the steps in the chemical process of converting fish wastes to biodiesel. Calculate the total energy input to produce one litre of biodiesel (energy required to produce the biodiesel from fish wastes, including any heating, electricity used to power the machines, and energy required to activate any reaction) and the total energy output (the energy obtained when one litre of that biodiesel is burned). Show all steps of the calculations, any unit conversions, and cite all references in which you obtained the numerical values from. The paper must also include cost implications, meaning the cost required to make one litre of biodiesel from fish waste, and find the value of that one litre of biodiesel in the market. Feel free to make any logical assumptions (for example: the calorific value of fish oil is equal to that of soybean oil) to help with your calculations, but make sure you justify why you made that assumption and reference a source as needed. Do not be repetitive, and do not make it too complicated for a year 1 student.
To conclude the paper, explain if the net energy (output energy-input energy) is worth using fish wastes as a source of energy. Make conclusions on the cost implications too, is the price too high? Would companies invest in such process? Why?