ABSTRACT
This chapter reports the use of biodiesel produced from vegetable oils (coconut, palm, and canola), blended with diesel in different percentages in a stationary engine. The steps for obtaining biodiesels from vegetable oils and the characterization of vegetable oils and biodiesels are presented, as also the environmental, energetic, and socioeconomic aspects. The results concerning the performance and emissions of vegetable oils and biodiesels used in a stationary engine compared with diesel are discussed. Biodiesel produced from coconut, palm, and canola oils can be used in compression ignition engines either neat or blended with diesel in any proportion. Vegetable oils can be used in compression ignition engines by blending up to 20% of vegetable oil with diesel. The use of neat palm biodiesel is not recommended in cold weather conditions due to its low pour point. The use of vegetable oil and biodiesel in power generation leads to the concepts of sustainability by the use of a raw material that contributes to CO2 absorption.
