Computer modelling of the effect of embodied energy on energetic effectiveness of biodiesel production

Abstract

The effect of embodied energy on energetic effectiveness of biodiesel production is studied. Embodied energy, i.e. energy consumed for production of a technical device, is gradually consumed during the life time of that device. The amount of embodied energy consumed during individual agricultural operation affects the energetic effectiveness of that operation, as well as that for the whole production process. The embodied energy in agriculture is associated with the use of machinery , transportation means, fertilizes, etc. The paper estimates the effect of embodied energy in the rapeseed biodiesel production basing on computer modelling.