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An in-depth analysis of various alternative fuels that can help reduce our reliance on petroleum-based fuels. It covers the characteristics, production methods, and environmental impact of fuels such as methanol, ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, and biodiesel. The document highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel, as well as the potential for their widespread adoption. It also discusses the role of electricity, including battery-powered and fuel cell-powered vehicles, in the transition towards more sustainable transportation. The document emphasizes the importance of developing alternative fuels to address the economic and environmental challenges posed by our current dependence on finite and polluting petroleum resources. By exploring these alternative options, the document aims to guide readers towards a more sustainable energy future.
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How it is produced: How it is produced:
What it is What it is
: :
It’s a cheap non-petroleum based fuel. As with
methanol, E-85 is the primary ethanol alternative fuel. Theuse of ethanol in vehicles is not a new innovation. In the1880s, Henry Ford built one of his first automobiles to run onethanol.
There's enough alcohol in one year's yield of an acre of potatoeThere's enough alcohol in one year's yield of an acre of potatoeThere's enough alcohol in one year's yield of an acre of potatoeThere's enough alcohol in one year's yield of an acre of potatoes to drive the
s to drive thes to drive thes to drive the
machinery necessary to cultivate the fields for one hundred yearmachinery necessary to cultivate the fields for one hundred yearmachinery necessary to cultivate the fields for one hundred yearmachinery necessary to cultivate the fields for one hundred years.
s.s.s.
-
Henry Ford
How is it produced How is it produced
: :
It can be produced by fermentation of
vegetables and plant materials. In India, its main source ismolasses - a byproduct of sugarcane. Its done in threestages1. Extraction of juice from sugarcane2. Fermentation of the juice3. Distillation
Environmental Characteristics Environmental Characteristics
It has approximately
fewer
smog
forming
emissions
than
a
gasoline
vehicle.
Air
toxics
are
also
reduced
by
about 50 percent when compared to gasoline. Aswith all internal combustion engines, vehicles usingethanol emit minor amounts of aldehydes. This isresolved
by
installing
advanced
catalytic
converters on the vehicles. Major problem
with ethanol is the corrosion. Ethanol
driven vehicles require lines, hoses and valves
to
be
resistant
to
the
corrosion
that
alcohol
can
induce.
Alcohol
corrodes
lead-plated
fuel
tanks;
magnesium,
copper,
lead,
zinc,
and
aluminum
parts; and some synthetic gaskets.
2 2
What it is What it is
Hydrogen gas (H
2
How it is produced How it is produced
Hydrogen can be produced from
a number of different sources, including natural gas,water, methanol etc. Two methods are generally usedto produce hydrogen:
(1) Electrolysis(2) Synthesis gas production from steam reforming
or partial oxidation.
Environmental
Characteristics
Environmental
Characteristics
When
combusted
(oxidized),
only
water
vapor
is
produced.
When
burned
in
an
internal
combustion
engine,
small
amounts
of
nitrogen
oxides
and
small
amounts
of
unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide areproduced, due to the use of engine lubricants.
Advantages Advantages
Hydrogen-air
mixture
burns
nearly
times
faster than gasoline-air mixture.
Hydrogen has high self-ignition temperature butrequires very little energy to ignite it.
Clean exhaust, produces no CO
2
As a fuel it is very efficient as there are no lossesassociated with throttling.
Disadvantages Disadvantages
There
is
danger
of
back
fire
and
induction
ignition.
Though low in exhaust , it produces toxic NOx.
Its difficult to handle and store, requiring high
capital and running cost.
Advantages Advantages
