Env Eco Research Project Notes
Jordan P.
4/5/11
The following are notes that correspond to the article link below on alternative fuels in energy conducted by the DOE. Although I am open to further exploring all the potentials listed, it seems that in terms of economically and ecologically oriented fuels our group might consider the following three as the most ecologically sound: Hybrid and Fuel Cell Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Hydrogen, P-Series fuels,
In terms of feasibility and industry that has a more economic potential for the short term it is then instructive to research Methanol,Natural Gas, and Propane
Indeed other fuels are listed, but my assessment of the DOE report on Alt Fuels, as evidenced by my notes suggests that perhaps these are our best leads.
My feeling is that after more extensive research on each of the aforementioned alternatives, we will have to assess ecological versus economical realities in further research. However for the time being the listed fuels above are good grounds for further research and if you have any corresponding objections or questions I am available via email pilaj732@newschool.edu or you can feel free to reference the article or my notes yourself.
Cheers
jp
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/alternate/issues_trends/altfuelmarkets.html
*the article indicates that both ATF’s and AFV’s are increasing in usage
Dedicated: configured to run exclusively on one fuel
Nondedicated: can be bi-fueled, (separate on board storage systems for each fuel type) flexible, or variable fueled vehicles which have a single storage and combustion chamber and dual fuels which inject two fuels in to combustion chamber at once
EV’s- considered nondedicated…….hybrids, fuel cells and non-hybrids
Although the article cites conversion kits as a common method for users to get the specific type of AFV they need the article also explains that conversions have steadily declined and alternative fuels are seemingly on the rise
*LPG or Propane
A mixture of approx: 90% propane 2.5% butane and a balance of ethane and propylene
Requires a $1000-$2000 installation of conversion kit
Engines reportedly last 2-3X longer than gas or diesel engines
Although costs are steep initially, the long term benefit should indicate a large savings in energy expenditures
*Natural Gas
Mixture of hydrocarbons that are extracted from underground reserves
Or as a product of landfill operations
LNG Vs. CNG???look up
In use in Italy, Argentina and Russia……<900,000 in use…..perhaps we refer to these countries for further research.
Dedicated NGV’s (natural gas vehicles) cost +$3500 to $7000 as compared to their gasoline counterparts
NGV- signifigantly fewer exhaust emissions
Zero evaporative emissions
LNG has a high energy content and can travel further on less volume of fuel than normal vehicles
Storage adds to cost
US has an abundant supply of natural gas- shall we begin to look where exactly for further research on the topic of integrating it into the market
As fueling sites open and people become interests they will certainly play a larger role in years to come.
*Ethanol
Us corn crop used to produce-
Usually blended into 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline
E10 is another common blend not an alternative fuel source though (10%ethanol /90% gasoline)
Utilized in flex fuel vehicles
Subsidized by tax
Growing utilization especially in rising vehicles that are capable of flex fuel use
DOE recently rewarded $1 million to help expand the domestic ethanol production aiming to utilize corn industry and ethanol industry
*Methanol
Most commonly made from natural gas
M85- 85%methanol/ 15%gasoline- generally used in light duty vehicles
M100 works well in heavy duty vehicles
Being tested as a source for hydrogen power in fuel cell vehicles
Mainly utilized in light duty flex fuel vehicles in combination with gas
Methanol FFV’s cost about the same as gas powered vehicles but lower energy content makes its range somewhat less potent
Future projections suspect methanol utilization in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Perhaps this is a good place to begin understanding what goes into fuel cell development?
*Electricity
All vehicles are capable of being electrically powered
Three types of EV-
1.Battery powered EV- onboard rechargeable motor Battery powered range is still rather small although technology continues to develop usually 50 to 130 miles
Bp replacements costs are high
Weather extremes will affect capabilities of engine range as well
Usually require a 6-8 hour charge time
2.Hybrid EV utilizes two sources of energy- e.g. gas to start engine and then electricity to maintain power
Longer range than standard BP and do not require the development of a charging infrastructure
Hybrid EV engines have a number of advantages e.g. less weight, minimization of energy loss while driving, decreased emissions, greatly increased fuel efficiency
3. Fuel cell use electricity from fuel cells instead of batteries (oxygen and hydrogen combo to create chemical interaction similar to battery power)
Fuel cell EV produces very little to no tail pipe emission driving range and capabilities of traditional engine
Still in developmental stage- leasing is available and tax incentives exist to help defray the cost
Future zero emission policies in a number of states indicate that EV’s will begin to develop at a faster rate
Consider the NECAR 4 and NECAR 5 prototype vehicles for further exploration
*Hydrogen
Not naturally found in nature therefore needs to be transformed from biomass, water, fossil fuels or other hydrogen rich materials
Cost is a current obstacle which prevents hydrogen from becoming a popular ATF
Technological and economical limitations contribute including safety, storage and production of fuel
However maintenance costs would be much lower
The article cites costly methods related to storage
DOE projects hydrogen as an alternative fuel to increase in the next 20 years
*Biodiesel
Biodiesel is an ester-based fuel oxygenate derived from renewable resources e.g. cooking oil, animal waste, soy beans etc etc
B100- 100% biodiesel can be used in its pure form with petrodiesel for use in diesel engines
However B20 is the most common mixture and has yet to be declared an alternative fuel
Heavy duty vehicles such as farm equipment or buses can ran on pure biodiesel
Consequently there are less emissions released then conventional diesel engines
Biodiesel as an alternative fuel is not expected to be significant however a federal credit program in place has significantly encouraged an increase in use especially in heavy duty vehicles
*PSeries
Developed by the Pure energy corporation P series fuel is regarded as non-petro-leum
Blended mixture of ethanol,( MTHF) and sometimes butane to combat cold weather it is considerably less polluting and can be derived from renewable resources
Designed to operate in Flexible Fuel engines
The demand for P-series fuels needs to increase before it becomes popularly used
2000 universtiy of lousiville conducted research on P series fuel and was given a grant to build a refinery for manufacturing
** DOE estimates that potentially one billion gallons of gasoline will be displaced annually by 2005- given that its 2011 its probably appropriate to check the status of both the refinery in Louisvill and the claim of the DOE
No comments:
Post a Comment