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What is the solution to getting rid of our dependence on fossil fuels? Well, as I see it, there are the short-term solutions (direct and modified replacements for fossil fuels), and then the long-term solutions. Short-term would be things like Biodiesel, Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO), Ethanol, and Methanol. Long-term are more advanced concepts like Fuel Cells, Overunity engines, and other "Free" energy technologies that tap into the existing abundance of energy that exists around us. So, for short-term solutions, I see several pros and cons to each. To begin with, check out the tables below which highlight the BTU equivalent energy for various fuel replacements. Fuel Type comparison of BTUs per Unit | Fuel Type | Unit of Measure | BTUs per Unit | Gallon Equivalent | | Gasoline (regular unleaded) | Gallon | 114,100 | 1.00 gallon | | Gasoline (reformulated, 10% MTBE) | Gallon | 112,000 | 1.02 gallons | | Diesel (#2) | Gallon | 129,800 | 0.88 gallons | | Biodiesel (B100) | Gallon | 118,300 | 0.96 gallons | | Biodiesel (B20) | Gallon | 129,500 | 0.88 gallons | | Ethanol (E100) | Gallon | 76,100 | 1.50 gallons | | Ethanol (E85) | Gallon | 81,800 | 1.40 gallons | | Methanol (M100) | Gallon | 56,800 | 2.01 gallons | | Methanol (M85) | Gallon | 65,400 | 1.74 gallons | | Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) | Gallon | 75,000 | 1.52 gallons | | Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) | Cubic Foot | 900 | 126.67 cu. ft. | | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (propane) | Gallon | 84,300 | 1.35 gallons | | Electricity | Kilowatt hour | 3,400 | 33.53 kwhrs |
Source: National Association of Fleet Administrators, Inc As you may be aware, one the biggest issues with replacing gasoline and diesel is their high BTU, i.e. the high energy content. Renewable energy sources developed so far do not come near to the energy content of those. However, that's not necessarily a problem, it just means you use more of the renewable energy than the fossil fuels. So what other pro's and con's are there associated with each of these technologies? Biodiesel Pros - Can be made from waste vegetable oil or a variety of seed oils
- Basic process to make is fairly straight forward
- No or minor engine maintenance required to use it
Cons - Doesn't work well in cold climates (< 23 F)
- Process requires several additional chemicas (Methane, KOH or NOH)
SVO Pros - Can be made from a variety of seed oils
- Even easier than Biodiesel (just press the seeds and clean the oil)
Cons - Doesn't work well in cold climates, requires tank heaters
- Requires extensive engine work to use it as an automotive fuel
Ethanol Pros - Make from corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, or Jerusalem artichokes
- Can sell byproducts from production
- Easy, well known process to create (stills have been around for a LONG time)
Cons - Requires engine modification to use it as an automotive fuel
- Doesn't work well straight (E100) as a fuel under 59 F
Methane / Methanol Pros - Make for waste products (manure)
- Can burn gas (Methane) directly to run a gas microturbine
Cons - Requires engine modification to use it as an automotive fuel
So which one is the solution? I think one of the biggest driver factors right now with many of these is that they require a food stock source for creation. Methane is one of the best ones for using waste products in manufacturing. My personal preference is for Ethanol, just because it's easy to make. However, these are all short-term solutions, and don't really address the fundamental issue with burning fuel. It's time for a paradigm shift, and that means providing a new means of person transportation that doesn't rely on an internal combustion engine to do it's work.
Last update: 07-02-2008 21:09
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Research and Development 
