Academic Journal of Innovative Engineering and Technology

PREDICTION OF BIODIESEL YIELD FROM THE TRANSESTERIFICATION OF RUBBER SEED OIL WITH MACHINE LEARNING

Ifeanyichukwu Edeh — 2026-04-10

Biodiesel has emerged as a promising renewable alternative to conventional diesel fuel, offering environmental advantages and supporting global sustainability efforts. This study applied machine learning techniques to predict biodiesel yield from rubber seed oil, a non-edible oil and locally available feedstock in Nigeria. A dataset of 20 experimental runs was used, with methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst weight, temperature, and reaction time as input variables. Three models, Decision Tree Regressor (DTR), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), and Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) were developed and evaluated using R-squared and Mean Squared Error (MSE). The results obtained show that the square of the coefficient of regression (R²) for the DTR, RFR, and GBR were 0.7900, 0.8612, and 0.9937, respectively. The MSE for the DTR, RFR, and GBR were 13.64, 8.97, and 0.40, respectively. The Gradient Boosting Regressor performed best, showing the highest predictive accuracy for the biodiesel yield of 75.32 % at the optimum conditions of temperature (30 °C), time (75 min), catalyst loading (0.5g), methanol-to-oil ratio (4:1), and weight of methanol (10 g). The results revealed that the methanol-to-oil molar ratio had the most significant influence on biodiesel yield, with yields increasing as the ratio improved within optimal limits. The results demonstrate that machine learning can offer a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to labor-intensive experimental methods, thereby improving the ability to predict and optimize biodiesel production. The ensemble-based learning models, particularly GBR, have the potential to be reliable tools for biodiesel yield prediction and support their integration into renewable energy system development frameworks

REGENERATION OF DEGRADED TRANSFORMER OIL USING PALM KERNEL SHELL ACTIVATED CARBON AS ADSORBENT

Ifeanyichukwu Edeh — 2026-04-11

Transformer oil plays a critical role in insulation and cooling within power transformers, but degradation due to thermal, chemical, and electrical stresses reduces its efficiency and reliability. Conventional adsorbents such as fuller’s earth and activated alumina are expensive and non-renewable, prompting the investigation of sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the regeneration of degraded transformer oil using palm kernel shell synthesized adsorbent. The ground palm kernel shell was chemically activated with sodium bicarbonate, and carbonized at 800 °C. The performance of the regeneration process was assessed at varied temperature (60, 80 and 100 ^oC) at constant time of 30 min, and contact time (30, 45 and 60 min) at constant temperature of 80 ^oC. The results show that the synthesized adsorbent exhibited desired properties including neutral pH (7.0), low moisture content (1.139 %), moderate ash content (20.42 %), and high pore volume (0.537 cm³). The results show that the optimal regeneration condition of 80 ^oC and contact time of 60 min resulted to a dielectric breakdown voltage of 24.0 kV, total acid number of 2.24 mgKOH/g and viscosity of 9.64 cP. With these results, 46.78 % dielectric breakdown voltage, 46.78 % total acid number, and 13 % viscosity recovery, respectively of the degraded transformer oil were achieved. The results demonstrate that palm kernel shells synthesized adsorbent provides an efficient, potential cheap, and environmentally friendly solution for transformer oil regeneration, while promoting sustainable waste utilization.

ADVANCEMENTS IN LIQUID BIOFUELS (BIODIESEL, BIOETHANOL, BIOBUTANOL) FROM BIOMASS BIOREFINING: A REVIEW

Ifeanyichukwu Edeh — 2026-04-11

Biodiesel, bioethanol, and biobutanol are considered alternative sources of energy obtained from biomass to replace or complement the conventional source of energy (fossil fuel), which is depleting due to overdependency. Aside from the depletion, it also causes serious environmental havoc due to the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide (s) to the atmosphere. Thus, this chapter focuses on the production of some common replacements of fossil fuel (biodiesel, bioethanol, and biobutanol), which are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable with high energy content comparable to conventional fuels. It takes into consideration materials for production, the method of production, economic viability, and life cycle analysis. Novel approaches adopted for yield optimization during production and the mitigation of some drawbacks encountered during the production process are also considered.