Advantages |
Disadvantages |
· Nontoxic and biodegradable
· Can be used in the internal combustion engine without any modifications · Very cheap · Easy to transport · Provides waste management of grease · Can be produced from biomass
· Its carbon source comes from the global cycle and not from extraction from the ground · Helps maintain global greenhouse gas balance · Has a higher octane number than gasoline which creates good blending qualities · Has the lowest molecular weight which gives it extreme properties such as high thermal velocity and conductivity and lowest viscosity and density
· It has very low ignition energy and a wide flammability range · Hydrogen fuel cell is three times more effective than the internal combustion engine · Can be efficiently and safely stored
· High calorific value limits energy consumption and atmospheric emissions · A large amount can be stored and transported at low pressure · It contributes to improved product quality and reduces costs |
· Problem with the use of biodiesel is its oxidation and polymerization occurring during combustion or storage
· Becomes acidic, and forms gum-like sediments which can plug the fuel filters · Problems with chemical deposition after combustion · Grease clogs the fuel nozzel · It is miscible with water meaning that if the two come in contact the engine may suffer from corrosion and face serious problems
· Not widely used because of high cost · Storage of hydrogen is regarded as one of the most critical issues
· Small molecular size, and its minimum ignition energy · Gas from landfills wouldn’t meet demands
· Non-renewable · The extraction process is dangerous |
Analysis
Each alternative fuel has unique characteristics as shown above. The four that are discussed on this site are considered theoretically successful. Ethanol, Biodiesel, and Liquid Natural Gas are becoming viable options as alternative fuels because they can be used with engines similar to those produced for conventional fuels. This is possible because these fuels are similar in composition to petroleum. Hydrogen is far more theoretical. Although its advantages may be the greatest of the four, Hydrogen, as a fuel, is extremely difficult to systematically implement. Fuels similar in composition to that of conventional gasoline are the next step to convert to an alternative fuel source. This is a slow process because society and the economy must adjust to these major changes.
Each alternative fuel has unique characteristics as shown above. The four that are discussed on this site are considered theoretically successful. Ethanol, Biodiesel, and Liquid Natural Gas are becoming viable options as alternative fuels because they can be used with engines similar to those produced for conventional fuels. This is possible because these fuels are similar in composition to petroleum. Hydrogen is far more theoretical. Although its advantages may be the greatest of the four, Hydrogen, as a fuel, is extremely difficult to systematically implement. Fuels similar in composition to that of conventional gasoline are the next step to convert to an alternative fuel source. This is a slow process because society and the economy must adjust to these major changes.