Biodiesel
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Biodiesel is a renewable biofuel, a form of diesel fuel, derived from biological sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled greases, and consisting of long-chain fatty acid esters. It is typically made from fats.
Experimental French Régiolis Class train using biodiesel
Biodiesel sample
Rudolf Diesel
Older diesel Mercedes are popular for running on biodiesel.
Diesel engine
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The diesel engine, named after Rudolf Diesel, is an internal combustion engine in which ignition of the fuel is caused by the elevated temperature of the air in the cylinder due to mechanical compression; thus, the diesel engine is called a compression-ignition engine. This contrasts with engines using spark plug-ignition of the air-fuel mixture, such as a petrol engine or a gas engine.
Rudolf Diesel's 1893 patent on a rational heat motor
Diesel's second prototype. It is a modification of the first experimental engine. On 17 February 1894, this engine ran under its own power for the first time. Effective efficiency 16.6% Fuel consumption 519 g·kW−1·h−1
First fully functional diesel engine, designed by Imanuel Lauster, built from scratch, and finished by October 1896. Rated power 13.1 kW Effective efficiency 26.2% Fuel consumption 324 g·kW−1·h−1.