Students launch biodiesel motorbike project
Tuesday, 4 April 2006
Nine final-year students from the University of 亚洲色吧 this week will launch their plans for building a biodiesel motorbike.
The students have already won industry sponsorship from diesel engine giant Yanmar, (SAFF) and the State Government and will design and build the 'BioBike' as part of their Honours projects this year.
The students are working under the supervision of Dr Colin Kestell, a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of 亚洲色吧.
Biodiesel is an eco-friendly diesel alternative made from canola and other renewable or waste organic sources of oil. Dr Kestell and fellow researcher Dr Doolan are undertaking research into the combustion of biodiesel with the aim of improving the efficiency of biodiesel engines and reducing emissions.
"The big advantage of biodiesel is that it is carbon dioxide neutral," Dr Kestell said. "Although carbon dioxide is released with the fuel combustion, it is only releasing what the plant has already absorbed from the air to grow and produce the oil."
Dr Kestell be