A system is being developed to convert used oil into fuel.
A research team in Taiwan has developed a system that can convert used cooking oil into biodiesel for use in generators and diesel equipment. A key feature of the system is its compact size, small enough to fit in a backpack.
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Taiwan-led team develops backpack-sized system that turns used oil into fuel | Taiwan News | Apr. 3, 2026 15:33
According to Chiang Ya-yu of National Taiwan University, producing biodiesel from vegetable oils and edible oils typically requires large, complex equipment and large amounts of water. The process of separating the refined, viscous liquid from the wastewater is the biggest obstacle and has been a bottleneck in miniaturization.
Therefore, Chang and his colleagues overcame this challenge by using a ' microreactor ,' a device that carries out chemical reactions in extremely narrow spaces.
The device created is remarkably small, small enough to fit in a backpack. It boasts a high efficiency of up to 91.14% in collecting biodiesel, and its quality reportedly exceeds national standards.
This achievement was dubbed the 'convenience store coffee machine of the energy world' and graced the cover of a top international journal.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced through a chemical process from animal or vegetable oils, and it significantly reduces harmful emissions compared to conventional petroleum-based diesel. If it becomes easy to convert everyday items like used cooking oil into biodiesel, it could potentially be used at festival stalls or in places like medical centers that need emergency power backup.
Mr. Chang and his colleagues are reportedly collaborating with CPC Taiwan, Taiwan's largest state-owned energy company, towards commercialization. Referring to Taiwan's geopolitical situation, Mr. Chang emphasized that 'securing energy is a major challenge for Taiwan, given the possibility of supply disruptions due to natural disasters and conflicts.'
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