Realistic alternatives
Transcript of Realistic alternatives
Blue and Grey
Realistic Alternativesto Liquid Fuels
Nonrealistic Alternatives
Nuclear, Wind, Hydroelectric, Geothermal, Solar None of these directly address the liquid fuel crisis or global oil dependance
No technology to convert them economically
Hydrogen Fuel CellsExtremely inefficient (energy + cost)
No easily available unoxidized hydrogen
CH4 + 2H2O => CO2 + 4H2H = +59 kcal/mole Steam reformation of natural gas*
CH4 + 2O2 => CO2 + 2H2OH = 205 kcal/mole Methane combustion
Less Realistic Alternatives
Mass Transit (USA)Large initial cost, upkeep (very difficult to find investors)
Mass transit production largely oil dependent
Not as flexible on a landmass with scattered urban centers
Most Realistic Alternatives
Electric carsNo harmful emissions
Recent interest by Honda Automotive*
Can be coupled with other fuel-intake systems
Cons:
Very expensive mainframe (for individuals and groups)
Range Inefficiency, range anxiety
Large production change required, auto overhaul
Most Realistic Alternatives
Alcohol FuelsBy far the cheapest overall auto-revamp option
Flex-Fueled Vehicles (FFVs) becoming very popular with major automotive producers
Derived from assorted biological masses
Somewhat self sustaining
Almost no fuel infrastructure change required
Alcohol as fuel
Toxic EmissionsGasoline: Particulate matter, carbon oxides, nitrous oxides, methane
Ethanol/Methanol: Particulate matter (