Bioethanol Research Project

As the fuel consumption increases overtime, we need to find alternatives for fuel usage. Food wastes are also a problem we are facing right now and apparently Indonesia is one of the leading country in potato and banana production. Therefore my team and I managed to create a solution in reducing food wastes and generate alternative fuel resources. This resulted to a research study and production of bioethanol out of banana peels and potato wastes that meets the standard for fuel mixture. Moreover, I also analyzed and measured the amount of refined feedstock used in bioethanol production by conducting multiple research.

Design Process

Source Gathering and Yeast Activation

We collected potato wastes and banana peels for local vendors. Whilst collecting these sources, we also activated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for later usage

Material Refinement and Inoculation

Banana peels and potato wastes were ground separately using home blenders. After the materials are finely refined, we inoculated the activated yeast to the materials which results to glycolysis and oxidative decarboxylation that generates bioethanol.

Extraction and Distillation

Extraction was introduced to remove solids and to receive liquid form. This is later used in a distillation process to generate bioethanol

Alcohol Measurement

By utilizing alcoholmeter, we managed to produce two functional bioethanol fuel made out of potato wastes and banana peels