An expert in the field of automotive and thermo-fluids power engineering, Engr. Abasiafak Ndifreke Udosen, has called on the government to prioritise the development of sustainable biofuels and advanced diesel engine technology in Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had already taken a step in this direction by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Chinese-led consortia to develop sustainable biofuels.
The MOU aims to blend 10% fuel-ethanol in gasoline and 20% biodiesel in automotive gas oil (diesel).
“This MOU aspires to explore and implement renewable fuel resources in the automotive industry, which is a critical step towards sustainable development,” Engr. Udosen stated.
“The shift towards biofuels, supported by innovative research and advanced modeling techniques, holds the potential to transform Nigeria’s automotive industry.”
“Our research aims to redesign a hypocycloidal planetary system known as Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) and Variable Stroke Engine (VSE) deployable in Internal Combustion (IC) engines that can vary engine stroke and compression ratio simultaneously,” Udosen elaborates.
“This innovation is expected to enhance engine performance and encourage the widespread adoption of ethanol-based biofuels in Nigeria.”
“Improving emission control requires a deep understanding of in-cylinder combustion processes, such as turbulence, mixing, and cycle-to-cycle variations,” he explains.
“Our proposed numerical approach will develop a two-phase spray turbulent combustion model for liquid biodiesel and its blends.”
“These initiatives are not just about reducing emissions; they are about securing a healthier environment and a robust economy for future generations,” Udosen concludes.
Udosen’s research focuses on addressing the challenges associated with ethanol-based biofuels, such as low thermal efficiency, low heat of combustion, increased fuel consumption, and higher emission levels.
He proposes a numerical approach to improve emission control in diesel engines, utilising a two-phase spray turbulent combustion model for liquid biodiesel and its blends.
The expected outcomes of this research could significantly boost the production and utilisation of biofuels in Nigeria, marking a pivotal advancement for the country’s energy sector.
He noted how his work has the potential to transform Nigeria’s automotive industry, reducing emissions and securing a healthier environment and robust economy for future generations.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges facing its oil sector, it is imperative that the government begins to relate with international experts like Udosen to leverage their expertise and stay abreast of global best practices.
By collaborating with international experts, Nigeria can gain access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that can help overcome the challenges facing the oil sector, including the development of sustainable biofuels and advanced diesel engine technology.
He however noted that this will not only enhance the country’s energy security but also position it for leadership in the global energy landscape.
