Optimization and sensitivity study of biodiesel synthesis from Jojoba oil using mixed-integer programming

Jojoba oil-based biodiesel is promising alternative fuel due to its versatile properties. Renewable transportation fuels are considered as promising alternatives to conventional fuels. The physical and chemical properties of these fuels enabled them to be used in modern internal combustion engines; this makes them attractive for use as direct replacements or as additives of fossil fuels. Jojoba oil is extracted from Jojoba seeds, and it is an excellent feedstock for biodiesel after the transesterification process. The plant is highly adaptable to harsh weather including salty water, desert, and hot temperatures; thus, it can be grown in Saudi Arabia. This research work comprises a detailed optimization study of biodiesel production from Jojoba oil using mixed-integer programming. golden section search method was used for the optimization and sensitivity study was conducted for reaction time and temperature. The result shows that 54.1 minutes and 47.5 °C are the optimized reaction time and temperature to produce biodiesel which is considerably low as compared to previous studies.