Biodiesel production controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC)

Alejandro Néstor C.-E. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2254

Resumen

The use of fossil fuels has led to a severe climate crisis and a critical deterioration of public health, driving the transition to sustainable biofuels. Under the ASTM D6751 (B100) standard, biodiesel is positioned as a strategic alternative by using raw materials such as soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, and used cooking oils. This bio-based fuel not only reduces polluting emissions but also strengthens energy security and optimizes the trade balance by saving foreign currency on crude oil imports, directly benefiting the Peruvian economy. The main objective of this project is to automate the transesterification process using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) programmed in Ladder logic, integrating a real-time monitoring and control system through a Human-Machine Interface (HMI). This architecture allows for centralized supervision and immediate response to process fluctuations. The methodology employs an experimental approach that allows for the rigorous manipulation of independent variables to observe their impact on biofuel efficiency. The PLC manages input signals from high-precision sensors (such as thermocouples or PT100s), processing the data to execute corrective actions on the reactor actuators. To optimize thermal stability, a PID control algorithm with a proportional gain (K=700) was implemented, maintaining a critical temperature of 60 °C. Statistical analysis of the operating data yielded a mean squared error (MSE) of 2.66 °C, an acceptable tolerance margin that ensures standardization and quality in the industrial production of biodiesel.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal