Data Collection Method

To collect data for this project, I first started by making biodiesel with the help of Mrs. Sitachitta, the chemistry teacher at Mililani High School. To make the biodiesel, we followed the procedure that Mr. Kusch provided me with (shown below).

Materials

Source: William Kusch

Terviva

Not listed: Pongamia oil

Methanol

Sodium Hydroxide

Procedure

Source:

Erin Jyo

Step 5: Putting mixture on the heater.

Source: William Kusch

Terviva

After making the biodiesel with the procedure, the final step was to take it to Mr. Zelasko at the HECO Chemistry Lab to do the same tests done to the Pongamia oil before being transformed. He used the Calorimeter both times, to measure the amount of BTUs in the biodiesel. And from there, the data he provided of other substances, preliminary data of Pongamia oil, and finished product of Pongamia Biodiesel will be compared to see which type of energy source is the best (shown in Data).

Source: Erin Jyo

Step 10: Waiting for products to settle in funnel

Source: Erin Jyo

Calorimeter was used to measure the amount of BTUs.