Science Fair Projects on
Alternative Fuel Sources in Orchard Smudge Pots

Tips for Science Fair Projects on Fuel Sources

Fuel source science fair projects can be a lot of fun. However, they also involve the production of potentially noxious fumes. It is because of this that you need to be careful where you perform your experiments and what safety precautions you take.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the heat output of diesel, kerosene and an alternative fuel source in orchard smudge pots.

I became interested in this idea when I was watching the news and it reported on rising diesel prices, I wondered if there was a cheaper and more efficient fuel for diesel-powered items, like vehicles or heaters.

The information gained from this experiment could help people with an orchard. It could save thousands of dollars each year with the rising prices of diesel.

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HYPOTHESIS

My first hypothesis was that biodiesel would burn longer than kerosene or diesel.

My second hypothesis was that diesel would burn hotter than kerosene and biodiesel.

I based my hypothesis on that biodiesel has a lower viscosity then either of the others. My second hypothesis was based on the fact that most smudge pots use diesel.

EXPERIMENT DESIGN

The constants in this study were:

• The smudge pot
• Starting temperature
• Air temperature
• Volume of fuel used
• Measurement methods

The manipulated variable was the type of fuel being burned in the smudge pot.

The responding variables were the heat of the smudge pot’s fumes and burn time.

To measure the responding variables, I used a thermometer to measure the surrounding fumes, a surface thermometer for the surface of the smudge pot and a watch to measure burn time.

MATERIALS

Science fair projects on alternaitve fuel sources continues here... biodiesel science fair projects.