Students fuelling change with pioneering biodiesel enterprise
View(s):By Mithu Ratnayake
In the throes of the economic crisis in 2022, Sri Lanka grappled with an alarming shortage of auto diesel and soaring fuel prices, an issue that affected more than half of the country’s population. Amidst this turmoil, a dedicated group from the SLTC Research University took on an innovative approach and established their research organisation, “Green Ignitions”, a pioneering biodiesel enterprise committed to producing high-quality biodiesel from waste cooking oil.
Green Ignitions method not only meets the growing demand for alternative fuels but also addresses environmental concerns through recycling.
“We started with the concept in 2023 as a solution to the crisis,” says Manusha Wijesinghe, leader of the youthful team. “We saw a clip online that proved this could be done. We thought we’d provide a proper engineering solution.”
The team with the biodiesel bus and in the lab
The product is a renewable substitute for petro-diesel, made from oils containing free fatty acids such as palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats, as well as used cooking oil. This makes biodiesel a renewable fuel that burns with significantly fewer toxic pollutants. The team feels this is a more effective solution than solar power and battery usage, which are challenges to execute on a large scale.
“Regular diesel is quite harmful,” Manusha says. “The sulphur content is high, and the carbon footprint is notable. With biodiesel, there is 0% sulphur, and the carbon footprint is significantly less. By 2030, it is likely that sustainable development goals can be achieved if our execution is successful. It will greatly benefit the country.”
Sri Lanka’s ambitious energy goals highlight a deep commitment to sustainable development, aiming to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030. Additionally, the product offers health benefits to the community. The Health Ministry has declared that the overuse of cooking oil carries a high chance of producing cancer effects. The team believes its biodiesel product could be a substitute. “We want it to have a huge impact and really change the living standard of the country,” says Manusha.
Extensive tests have been conducted on this product, he adds. The biodiesel samples have undergone rigorous testing at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Laboratory (CPC) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), adhering to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.
Away from the confines of a laboratory, the team then applied their well-tested product to vehicles, including a biodiesel bus from their university, which was eager to assist in the development of the project.
The research team started off as a group of five, with Manusha Wijesinghe, Sithira Sathsara, Kaiz Noorhamith, Thesan Samaraweera, along with Sasanga Udayanga and initial supervisors Kasun Herath and Dr. Nicoloy Gurusinghe from Electronic and Power System engineering at SLTC Research University. It is now strengthened by new undergraduate members from Curtin Colombo (Dimuth Peiris and Ashen Perera), the University of Moratuwa (Yugantha Perera and Sachithra Sandamali), and Sabaragamuwa University (Shehan Madushanka), specialising in electronic, chemical, and mechanical engineering, respectively.
“This endeavour represents a major turning point in my research career as it is my first venture into the field of biodiesel generation,” says Kasun, adding that the abilities and viewpoints of every team member have been crucial in propelling the project ahead. Adds Sasanga, “Unlike my previous work in radio astronomy and space exploration, this project had a more immediate and tangible impact on our local community.”
The SLTC Research University has been awarded the Silver Medal at the 16th International Invention and Innovation Show, IFIA-International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (INTARG 2023). The team’s efforts were also recognised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland and the World Intellectual Property Organization.
The initiative that began in a backyard has grown momentously within just a year, with leading companies also reaching out to them. Hayleys Advantis has expressed its intent to collaborate.
With their commitment to innovation, Green Ignitions is determined in their mission to drive substantial environmental benefits by reducing not only reliance on traditional fossil fuels but also mitigating environmental and health concerns.
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