15
Fuels and Trends
the simplest ether, consisting of two methyl groups bonded to central oxygen and is expressed by its chemical formula CH 3 OCH 3 . Approximately 1
lakh to 1.5 lakh tons of DME is produced per annum worldwide. DME is a
colorless gas at room temperature with an ethereal odor, has a vapor pressure of 5.93 bar at 25ºC, and is highly flammable in air. DME has no corrosive effects on metals but it is a good solvent. DME has high cetane number
(55–60). However, the calorific value of DME is 28.5 MJ/kg whereas for diesel
42.5 MJ/kg. DME contains oxygen but no C–C bonds and has the advantage
of reducing carbon particulate matter emissions formation. DME is a gas at
ambient conditions but it can be liquefied under pressure like LPG (Sorenson
and Mikkelsen 1995).
Diethyl ether (DEE) can be used as a renewable fuel additive. DEE has
long been known as a cold-start aid for engines, but little is known about
using DEE as a significant component in a blend or as a complete replacement for fuel. It is an excellent engine fuel with higher energy content than
ethanol. DEE is liquid at ambient conditions that make it attractive for fuel
handling and infrastructure requirements. Storage stability of DEE and its
blends are of concern because of its tendency to oxidize and form peroxides
in storage. DEE has several favorable properties, including an outstanding
cetane number and reasonable energy density for onboard storage. (Bailey,
Eberhardt, and Goguen 1997).
1.4.5 electric/Fuel Cell/Hybrid Vehicles
The control of tailpipe emissions and maximum possible reduction in fuel
consumption are the top priority objectives for any automobile designer
and manufacturer. Electricity stored in the battery can be used to operate the vehicles by means of an electric motor. These electric vehicles are
noiseless. Electricity normally is generated from coal, natural, solar, fuel
cell, on board diesel engine, gas, and nuclear energy. If the electricity produced from nonfossil fuel, then electric vehicles become zero emission
vehicles. Thermal energy is converted to electricity and stored in a battery,
and again it is converted into work. So, while calculating overall efficiency
of vehicles, these conversion efficiencies have to be considered. The storage
capability of the battery plays an important role in the success of electric
vehicles.
Pure electric vehicles currently do not have adequate range when powered
by batteries alone, and hence it cannot be used for driving long distances.
Electric vehicles require recharging of the battery. Hybrid electric vehicles
(HEV) combine the alternative energy source (engine/fuel cell) to run the
vehicle and charge the battery. Hence, HEV is gaining acceptance and is
overcoming some of the problems of pure electric vehicles.
Hybrid electric vehicles combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle
Fuels and Trends
the simplest ether, consisting of two methyl groups bonded to central oxygen and is expressed by its chemical formula CH 3 OCH 3 . Approximately 1
lakh to 1.5 lakh tons of DME is produced per annum worldwide. DME is a
colorless gas at room temperature with an ethereal odor, has a vapor pressure of 5.93 bar at 25ºC, and is highly flammable in air. DME has no corrosive effects on metals but it is a good solvent. DME has high cetane number
(55–60). However, the calorific value of DME is 28.5 MJ/kg whereas for diesel
42.5 MJ/kg. DME contains oxygen but no C–C bonds and has the advantage
of reducing carbon particulate matter emissions formation. DME is a gas at
ambient conditions but it can be liquefied under pressure like LPG (Sorenson
and Mikkelsen 1995).
Diethyl ether (DEE) can be used as a renewable fuel additive. DEE has
long been known as a cold-start aid for engines, but little is known about
using DEE as a significant component in a blend or as a complete replacement for fuel. It is an excellent engine fuel with higher energy content than
ethanol. DEE is liquid at ambient conditions that make it attractive for fuel
handling and infrastructure requirements. Storage stability of DEE and its
blends are of concern because of its tendency to oxidize and form peroxides
in storage. DEE has several favorable properties, including an outstanding
cetane number and reasonable energy density for onboard storage. (Bailey,
Eberhardt, and Goguen 1997).
1.4.5 electric/Fuel Cell/Hybrid Vehicles
The control of tailpipe emissions and maximum possible reduction in fuel
consumption are the top priority objectives for any automobile designer
and manufacturer. Electricity stored in the battery can be used to operate the vehicles by means of an electric motor. These electric vehicles are
noiseless. Electricity normally is generated from coal, natural, solar, fuel
cell, on board diesel engine, gas, and nuclear energy. If the electricity produced from nonfossil fuel, then electric vehicles become zero emission
vehicles. Thermal energy is converted to electricity and stored in a battery,
and again it is converted into work. So, while calculating overall efficiency
of vehicles, these conversion efficiencies have to be considered. The storage
capability of the battery plays an important role in the success of electric
vehicles.
Pure electric vehicles currently do not have adequate range when powered
by batteries alone, and hence it cannot be used for driving long distances.
Electric vehicles require recharging of the battery. Hybrid electric vehicles
(HEV) combine the alternative energy source (engine/fuel cell) to run the
vehicle and charge the battery. Hence, HEV is gaining acceptance and is
overcoming some of the problems of pure electric vehicles.
Hybrid electric vehicles combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle