Group 14

Aguado, Angela
Manalo, Jasper Jay
Manimtim, Charish

Design and Development of Bioethanol Production Machine using Sugarcane

Bagasse as an Alternative Fuel for Gasoline

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

The rate of the population is continuously increasing resulting in a higher demand

for different resources which can provide the needs in their daily lives. One of the
biggest problems that the world is currently facing is the energy crisis. Since there is a
rapid increase in the population, this also means that there will also be an increase in
the motorization which requires fuels in order to power it. According to Ethanol Basics
(Fact Sheet) (2015), fossil fuels are widely utilized across the world, yet they are
unsustainable because they increase CO2 levels and collect greenhouse gases, both of
which are harmful to the ecosystem. Renewable and ecologically acceptable fuels must
be generated in order to keep the environment clean and preserve sustainability
(Schenk, 2008). One of the suited solutions for this is the production of petrol substitute
that can be used instead of the common fuels in the market nowadays.

In many aspects of modern life, fossil fuels are the most efficient and useful. In
the Philippines, fuel has a significant role in transportation, the industrial sector,
agriculture, and consumer agriculture. Energy is a crucial component in enhancing the
Filipino people's standard of living. Fossil fuels will continue to account for a large
portion of the energy mix. Nonrenewable sources must be extracted since traditional, or
fossil fuel resources are limited. As a result, costs and demand for fossil fuels will rise.
Fuel increased prices are putting pressure on economies across the world, particularly
in developing countries like ours.

The demand for oil is expected to increase to 57% from 2002 to 2030. Today,
global oil demand has dramatically increased, surpassing the supplies in oil production
and excess capacity. In Philippines, the average price of gasoline in 2020 was 48.51
PHP per liter, increasing to 58.86 PHP in 2021, until 2022 the price is still rising with the
increased rate of 38.14% since 2020. Rise in energy demand in worldwide and the
progressive demising of oil reserves motivate the search for alternative energy
resources, especially for those derived from renewable materials such as biomass.

Bioethanol can be produced in the Philippines from a variety of sources, including

sugar and starch-containing materials. Sugarcane has a ton of potential as a substantial
biofuel source in the country. Due to its remarkable biomass production capacity, high
carbohydrate content, and favorable energy input/output ratio, it will serve as a greatest
alternative for producing biofuels today, and it can help optimize industrial wastes from
sugarcanes and other crops. Biofuels made from renewable feedstocks have sparked a
lot of interest in the scientific community since they might be used to generate energy and
alternative fuels. Ethanol produced from sugarcane bagasse provides additional income
to farmers while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact and ensuring a safe
disposal of farm waste.

Biofuels made from renewable feedstocks have attracted a lot of scientific research
since they may be utilized to provide energy and alternative fuels. Biofuels are liquid fuels
made from biomass from various agricultural sources, as well as a biodegradable
component of industrial waste. It is frequently advocated as a cost-effective and
ecologically friendly alternative to petroleum and other fossil fuels, especially in light of
rising petroleum prices and growing concern about fossil fuels' implications to global
warming.
 In this study, the researchers will be designing a machine that can be used in the
production of bioethanol. The production of bioethanol includes different processes
including (1) pretreatment to remove hemicellulose and lignin from cellulose, (2)
hydrolysis of cellulose to get fermentable sugars, and (3) fermentation to convert
carbohydrates into ethanol, followed by (4) distillation to separate and purifying the
ethanol. Since the machineries that are used in the industry are not in a single set-up
machine, the researchers are aiming to develop a machine design wherein all the
machineries and equipment in each process will be placed in a single set-up for a more
efficient production.

Background of the Study

Due to the rapid rise in population, there is a larger demand for energy, particularly the
fuels that power transportation vehicles (Kulkarni and Dalai, 2006). The available
resources of fuels are quickly depleting, and all indications indicate that they will soon be
consumed. Higher demands in conventional fuel means that it may also release
hazardous particles and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing adverse
consequences for humans and the environment. In 3 such circumstances, renewable
energy sources must be given more consideration. Renewable biofuels, mainly the
bioethanol, show potential for replacing the conventional fuels that are used nowadays
(Schenk, 2008). Natural resources, such as agricultural wastes, might be utilized to make
biofuels as a replacement for the conventional fuels used in transportation. One of the
many possibilities being examined is biofuels. Bioethanol is often regarded as the most
promising biofuel for replacing gasoline, owing to its unique characteristics. This biofuel
is a liquid oxygenated fuel that is generated by microbial fermentation of monomeric sugar
derived from carbohydrate sources including corn, soybeans, and sugar cane.

In the Philippines, sugarcane is the primary feedstock for the production of

bioethanol. Sugarcane is the fourth major crop grown in the Philippines in terms of area
planted. Sugarcane production in the Philippines was estimated to be about 24.4 million
metric tons in 2020, reflecting an increase from the previous year. Historically sugarcane
was the most important agricultural export of the Philippines. Energy crops can deliver
energy demands and are economical and environmentally beneficial (Koçar and Civaş
2013). Sugarcane fields are abundant in all towns of Batangas. The warm and sunny
climate of Batangas makes it suitable for growing sugarcane. A well-drained and fertile
land with adequate rainfall during the wet season is an ideal condition in planting the crop.
The sugarcane bagasse is a biomass that can be used to improve global energy,
environment and economic sustainability.

Ethanol is a colorless, flammable and volatile liquid. It has the potential to be used
as an alternative biofuel. It is easy to manufacture as well as process ethanol through a
process similar to the one used in the production of alcohol. One advantage of using
ethanol as an energy source is that a large amount of it may be generated over a short
time (Schenk, 2008). And also, its production is not complex as it involves the use of
some crops. As a result, this type of biofuel is renewable. Unlike gasoline, pure ethanol
is safe and biodegradable, and if spilled it quickly breaks down into harmless substances.

In terms of greenhouse gas emissions during the production and use of ethanol,
sugar provides a significant balance (Dufey, 2006). Previous research has shown that
producing biofuel from sugar provides for more than 80% of greenhouse gas reductions
when compared to the use of fossil fuel. When compared to ethanol from corn, sugarcane
ethanol is 35% better in terms of avoided emissions. Secondly, given the limited amount
of area available for growing crops for ethanol production, sugarcane cultivated on a small
piece of land can produce a high yield of ethanol.

In this study, a developmental and experimental method will be used to test if the
machine will successfully produce bioethanol from sugarcane bagasse. This method will
also test if the development in the design will be efficient in the bioethanol production.
Statement of the Problem

In the current situation, global oil demand has increased dramatically, outpacing
all gains in oil production and excess capacity. Oil prices have risen tenfold in a row since
January 2022, and fuel prices have increased almost every week due to the ongoing
foreign military conflict. Due to the high pump prices, Filipinos are having a hard time
dealing with rising prices for petroleum products. This is especially true for drivers who
complain that they can make little profit for their family's needs. The price hike is expected
to have adverse effects on poverty and is worrisome because it is expected to have the
greatest impact on poor residents.

Biofuels are gaining scientific and public attention due to factors such as rising fuel
prices. By reducing the world's reliance on fossil fuel source depletion, it helps meet future
energy needs and enhance energy security. Since the Philippines has a very high
production of sugarcane, it is possible to make bioethanol from sugarcane bagasse.
Ethanol produced from sugarcane and crop residues is expected to provide farmers with
additional income and help the environment and the safe disposal of stubble on the farm.
Therefore, ethanol is a promising biofuel that can be mixed with petrol to operate the
sprayers and reduce its impact on the environment.

Bioethanol has a direct impact on society because it is economical and

environmentally friendly. The Philippines is a country very rich in sugar cane, with 47
percent of its land devoted to agriculture. This will increase their employment
opportunities, not only for those directly involved in agriculture, but also for others like
chemical engineers, helpers, accountants and legal advisors. Most importantly, the
farmers of the country will enjoy more benefits and lead to balanced growth. Of a country
that is a major problem in today's economy.
Objectives of the Study

The main thrust of the study was to design and develop a bioethanol production
machine using sugarcane bagasse.
Specifically, the study aims to:
1. Design and develop a bioethanol production machine using sugarcane bagasse
considering the following:
1.1 System components
1.2 Material specifications
2. Fabricate a bioethanol production machine for bioethanol production using
sugarcane bagasse taking into consideration the design specification.
3. Conduct a preliminary testing of the bioethanol production machine to establish
the following parameters:
3.1 Operating Capacity
3.2 Operating Time
3.3 Operating Temperature
3.3 Bioethanol Produced
4. Evaluate the performance of the bioethanol production machine using
sugarcane bagasse in terms of:
4.1 Machine Efficiency
4.2 Machine Durability and Reliability
4.3 Production Rate
5. Develop an operation and maintenance manual for the bioethanol production
machine using sugarcane bagasse.
Scope and Delimitations of the Study

This study was focused on designing and developing a machine that can produce
bioethanol by using sugarcane bagasse to see how this will affect and will be helpful on
the rising crisis about oil price hike in the country. Aspects we’re considered in line with
the topic discussed including the materials, components, raw material to be used and the
processes to be conducted. Moreover, the assessment on this study will be based on
published results of similar studies.

This study was limited to access to the availability of some resources that will be
used in the experiment and to the cost that will be funded in this study. As for the
delimitation, the researchers had set some boundaries wherein it is beyond the scope of
the study to provide detailed workload information regarding the progress and effect of
the product of this study.