An artificial intelligence approach to model and optimize biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using life cycle assessment and market dynamics analysis
Marina Corral-Bobadilla, Rubén Lostado-Lorza, Celia Sabando-Fraile, Saúl Íñiguez-Macedo
Abstract
Biodiesel has emerged as a viable alternative to fuel, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy option. The current study explores the modeling and optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using artificial intelligence and genetic algorithms. The study focuses on enhancing five process parameters: methanol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time, and stirring speed. The optimization of these parameters is complemented by a life cycle assessment to reduce environmental impact. The approach considers biodiesel yield, high heating value, and energy consumption as output variables, thereby advancing sustainable biodiesel production. The findings indicated that, under optimal conditions (methanol-to-oil ratio of 1:6.9, stirring rate of 500 rpm, reaction duration of 20 s, reaction temperature of 30 °C and catalyst concentration of 1), the transesterification process achieved the maximum biodiesel yield of 97.76 %. The optimization reached a low environmental impact in the production of biodiesel in an efficient way. Additionally, SWOT analysis helps to develop strategic methods that can enhance efficiency and increase competitiveness. The research suggests that, by optimizing the chemical process in biodiesel production, it is possible to achieve a high yield and high heating value of the biofuel, along with feasible environmental mitigation strategies.