altfuelsys

Why is biodiesel such a hot topic? We’ve been relying on the dwindling resource of gasoline for nearly a century. It will eventually be gone. The beauty of biofuels is that they are made from plant materials which are (and will be) available in endless supply. Additionally, biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic (unlike its gasoline counterpart).What about the emissions? The short answer is that biodiesel produces less polluting emissions than petroleum products almost 80 less carbon dioxide than traditional diesel fuel. And since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas linked to global warming, these reduced emissions will effectively eliminate sulfur oxide and sulfate emissions two major contributors to acid rain. And last, biodiesel reduces the carcinogenic properties found in diesel fuel by almost 95 percent.How is biodiesel made? Most biodiesel being produced in the United States is made from soybean oil and recycled cooking oil (known as “yellow grease”) from sources such as canola, palm, and soy. Additional manufacturing practices include oils from corn, sunflower, peanut, cottonseed and some animal fats.So what’s the future of biodiesel? Well, since the manufacturing comes from renewal resources (as outlined above) future uses and applications seem almost endless. Current thought is that biodiesel will not definitively replace current diesel, but will be used as an alternative is situations where fumes from diesel may be toxic (school buses are a perfect example). Additionally, the EPA is currently looking at utilizing biodiesel as a fuel additive to help reduce the previously-mentioned sulfur fumes that impact greenhouse gases and acid rain.

With the increasing popularity of alternative fuels, it might be a prudent time to take a look at three types of vehicles that utilize alternate resources for power.HYBRID VEHICLES (HEVS) are designed to combine the best of the gasoline engine and electric motors. Additionally, they can be configured in a number of ways to attain different objectives whether it be improved fuel economy or increased power.DIESEL VEHICLES are making a comeback since they are more powerful and fuel efficient than their earlier relatives (an average of 35 more fuel efficient). Improved fuel injection technology lends to increased power and efficiency as well as improved acceleration. Plus, engines using biodiesel must meet the same emissions standards as their gasoline counterparts.FLEX-FUEL VEHICLES (FFVS) are designed to run on a blend of gasoline and up to 85 ethanol (E85), and except for a few fuel system modifications they are identical to their gasoline counterparts. FFVs have been in production since the 1980′s and there are a wide range of models available. Chances are you pass several every day without even knowing it since they look exactly like their gasoline-only counterparts.

As the demand for alternative fuel continues to rise, there are going to be more people wanting information about this resource.Following are answers to three of the most frequently asked questions about ethanol.How is ethanol made? In short, ethanol is a clear alcohol (oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon) that is predominately manufactured via the fermentation of plant matter mainly sugars and starches (corn and sugar cane are two examples). (more…)

Biodiesel. You’ve probably already heard the word bandied about the water cooler.But guess what? You’re going to be hearing it even more as it continued to be looked at as an alternative fuel source.So, here’s a quick look at some information to make you more prepared for that next conversation.

• By definition, biodiesel is the name of a clean burning fuel alternative that is manufactured from renewable resources that are domestically-based.
• It is made through a chemical process where the glycerin is separated from fats or vegetable oil which in turn leaves behind two products: biodiesel (used for fuel) and glycerin (used in soaps, lotions, and other products).
• Contrary to some thought, biodiesel is not the same thing as raw vegetable oil. As exampled in the preceding paragraph, biodiesel is the result of a “process” which means it cannot be the “same thing as” something else. (more…)

Since you’re going to be hearing “alternative fuel” on an increasing basis as we move forward on our march toward environmental consciousness, following is a brief overview of some of the more common alternative fuel types (in no particular order).

• METHANOL (M85) is made mostly from natural gas, but methods to produce it via fermenting biomass are on the increase. One of the advantages to methanol is its virtual transparency to the end user with fuel systems of cars and trucks requiring only minor modification. A disadvantage to M85 is that it is more caustic than gasoline and as a result special oil additives are necessary to protect engines.
• ETHANOL (E85) is basically grain alcohol that is produced by fermenting biomass. The most commonly used biomass is corn, but other methods such as brewery waste are being tested. As an alternative fuel source for motor vehicles the typical blend-ratio is 85 ethanol and 15 unleaded gasoline. An advantage to ethanol is that the mixture can be used by most gasoline engines and retail outlets are becoming increasingly popular. A disadvantage to E85 is its cost as compared to gasoline. (more…)