Application of hybrid RSM-GA technique in predicting optimum process parameters of biodiesel production from Karanja and Mahua oils

Abstract

The current work is focused on the maximization of biodiesel production from Karanja and Mahua oils. The design expert 6.0.8 tool is used for applying the RSM and half fraction with five input process parameters are entered in it. The ranges of all the process parameters are obtained from the literature review. The experiment design matrix is produced to conduct the experiments in order to get maximum biodiesel yield. The each experiment out of the various experiments is conducted twice to obtained significant statistical model. The statistical model of biodiesel yield is predicted from response surface methodology in design expert 6.0.8 tool. The model obtained from RSM technique is then used in the GA program with suitable iterations. The program helps in predicting the optimum solutions by fixing various GA parameters predicted from past research. It has been observed that 18.5 % improvement in biodiesel yield of Karanja oil was found when hybrid RSM-GA technique is applied in comparison to RSM alone. Further on applying the same techniques to mahua oil the improvement in biodiesel yield is found to be 17 %. by weight.