8
Alternative Fuels for Transportation
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas produced
by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. The CO interferes with
the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, impair perception and thinking, slows
reflexes, cause drowsiness, and can even cause unconsciousness and death at
high levels. Inhalation of CO by pregnant women may threaten growth and
mental development of the fetus.
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide and CFCs are called greenhouse gases. The global temperature is increased because of the greenhouse
gases. Carbon dioxide pollution building up in the atmosphere is the single
biggest contributor to global warming. The reduction in CO 2 is possible only
if there is a reduction in combustion of fuel or use of nonhydrocarbon fuels
like hydrogen.
1.4 Alternative Fuels
Fast dwindling reserves of fossil fuels, particularly petroleum products,
cause hazards of environmental pollution by their combustion. Attempts
were made to develop the future energy technologies that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable. Small incremental improvements in current energy technologies are sufficient to tackle the
energy crisis and environmental problems. Alternative fuels are derived
from other than crude oil resources. In general, alternative fuels include all
the fuel used in vehicles other than gasoline and diesel. There are various
alternative fuels that can be used with the current petrol or diesel internal
combustion engine with little or no modification. The advantages with these
fuels include cleaner burning than petroleum-derived fuels, producing
lower emissions, and if it is derived from renewable biomass sources it will
decrease the dependency on nonrenewable petroleum. However, alternative fuels, need not necessarily refer to a source of renewable energy. Each
fuel has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with cost,
availability, environmental impact, vehicle/engine modification, safety and
customer acceptance, and legislation. Alternative fuels are receiving attention because of the following reasons:
i. Alternative fuels are mostly produced from domestic resources that
reduce the energy dependence.
Use of locally available resources for fuel purposes can reduce crude
oil import bill. Most of the alternative fuels, for example, alcohols,
biodiesel can be produced from biomass resources and agricultural
wastes and electricity for battery operated vehicles can be produced
from solar and fuel cells. Hydrogen can be produced from biomass
Alternative Fuels for Transportation
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas produced
by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. The CO interferes with
the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, impair perception and thinking, slows
reflexes, cause drowsiness, and can even cause unconsciousness and death at
high levels. Inhalation of CO by pregnant women may threaten growth and
mental development of the fetus.
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide and CFCs are called greenhouse gases. The global temperature is increased because of the greenhouse
gases. Carbon dioxide pollution building up in the atmosphere is the single
biggest contributor to global warming. The reduction in CO 2 is possible only
if there is a reduction in combustion of fuel or use of nonhydrocarbon fuels
like hydrogen.
1.4 Alternative Fuels
Fast dwindling reserves of fossil fuels, particularly petroleum products,
cause hazards of environmental pollution by their combustion. Attempts
were made to develop the future energy technologies that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable. Small incremental improvements in current energy technologies are sufficient to tackle the
energy crisis and environmental problems. Alternative fuels are derived
from other than crude oil resources. In general, alternative fuels include all
the fuel used in vehicles other than gasoline and diesel. There are various
alternative fuels that can be used with the current petrol or diesel internal
combustion engine with little or no modification. The advantages with these
fuels include cleaner burning than petroleum-derived fuels, producing
lower emissions, and if it is derived from renewable biomass sources it will
decrease the dependency on nonrenewable petroleum. However, alternative fuels, need not necessarily refer to a source of renewable energy. Each
fuel has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with cost,
availability, environmental impact, vehicle/engine modification, safety and
customer acceptance, and legislation. Alternative fuels are receiving attention because of the following reasons:
i. Alternative fuels are mostly produced from domestic resources that
reduce the energy dependence.
Use of locally available resources for fuel purposes can reduce crude
oil import bill. Most of the alternative fuels, for example, alcohols,
biodiesel can be produced from biomass resources and agricultural
wastes and electricity for battery operated vehicles can be produced
from solar and fuel cells. Hydrogen can be produced from biomass