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Comparison of Fuel Properties of Alternative Fuels from Insect Lipids and Their Blending with Diesel Fuel

Author

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  • Ji Eun Lee

    (Clean Energy Conversion Research Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering, Yongin-si 17180, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyun Sung Jang

    (Clean Energy Conversion Research Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering, Yongin-si 17180, Republic of Korea)

  • Yeo Jin Yun

    (Clean Energy Conversion Research Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering, Yongin-si 17180, Republic of Korea)

  • Young Cheol Yang

    (Korea Beneficial Insects Laboratory, Co., Ltd., Gokseong-gun 57507, Republic of Korea)

  • Jung Hee Jang

    (Clean Energy Conversion Research Center, Institute for Advanced Engineering, Yongin-si 17180, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Drop-in fuels are renewable alternatives that can be integrated into an existing fuel infrastructure without modification. Among these, fuels synthesized from hydroprocessed renewable lipids have garnered significant attention owing to their compatibility with petroleum-based diesel. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of hydrodeoxygenated insect oil (HIO), derived from black soldier fly larvae ( Hermetia illucens ; BSFL), as a renewable drop-in fuel for a diesel blend. The optimal growth conditions for BSFL were studied to maximize lipid production, and the extracted insect oil was subjected to hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) via catalytic reaction. The HIO was blended with commercial diesel at ratios of 5–30%, and its fuel properties were compared with commercial diesel. A detailed fuel property analysis was conducted for the 5% blend to evaluate its suitability as a diesel fuel. Characterization of the blended fuels’ physicochemical properties was carried out to assess the potential of insect-derived fuels for diesel applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ji Eun Lee & Hyun Sung Jang & Yeo Jin Yun & Young Cheol Yang & Jung Hee Jang, 2025. "Comparison of Fuel Properties of Alternative Fuels from Insect Lipids and Their Blending with Diesel Fuel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4295-:d:1652104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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