...Alternative Fuels, Why bother? Over the years, fossil fuels have been the most popular form of fuel utilized in our every day transportation needs. Although fossil fuels are effective as our current energy source, the time is approaching where society will have to shift from fossil fuels towards utilizing alternative fuel sources. There are several factors contributing towards the shift from fossil fuels to using new alternative fuel sources. The primary reason for this shift is the rise in costs for harvesting, manufacturing and distributing the necessary basic components of gasoline. The increase in manufacturing costs has been passed on to the consumer in the form of increased gas prices. The average price paid per gallon in 2009 is $2.54, compared to $1.11 in 2001 (Energy Information Administration, 2009.) Additional factors contributing to the increase in gas production and distribution are due to the fact that fossil fuel reservoirs are not readily replenished and therefore, provided enough time has passed, our current stores will be depleted and society will be forced to rely on a new energy source. Additional factors contributing towards our need to switch to alternative fuels include the increase in foreign oil dependence to acquire fuel, the rise in air pollution, and the processing and distribution of these alternative fuels are more cost effective. Therefore, based on this and additional rationale, politicians and environmentalists should push for more funding...
Words: 2343 - Pages: 10
...Alternate Fuel Edgar Castillo COMM 215 1/31/2013 Ms. Diana Ferrell Alternate Fuel The world is familiar with the possibility and real results of polluting the environment. The ongoing destruction of nature is a subject of great concern. One of the types of pollution regarded as responsible for global costs rising is air pollution. The supplies of petroleum across the world are limited. As petroleum supplies start to decrease, it will also become tougher to get what remains. Alternate fuel automobiles are the trend of our future, because now a days gasoline prices are at an all-time high. The United States' dependency on foreign oil is also at an extremely high level. Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (HEV) operate from a mix of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A few advantages of hybrid electric automobiles are better gas mileage, eco friendly and less depending on foreign oil. HEVs can go 40-70 miles for each gallon of gas. HEV allows the driver to travel much longer without needing to fill up the automobile with gas, which also permits savings on gas. This will assist decrease the country’s reliance on foreign oil. This is an advantage because it encourages self sufficiency for the nation. It can also save money in the overall budget for the country. HEVs assist the atmosphere by not liberating as much toxin filled exhaust into the air. Each day we notice how the auto producers are coming with various kinds of hybrid cars as creative types of fuel. Toyota...
Words: 716 - Pages: 3
...Alternative Fuels There are numerous alternatives to unleaded fuel, but not all can be easily produced and not all are in high demand. With the continuous rise of unleaded gas prices and the ever growing concern of global warming here are a few alternatives that hopefully can one day supplement (if not already) or possibly replace the need for unleaded fuel. The first alternative is Ethanol. Ethanol is already being used today in over 6 million Flex Fuel Vehicles as an additive to unleaded fuel (Future Vision Energy, 2011). Both corn ethanol and cellulosic ethanol are a renewable fuel source that can be produced from both edible and non-edible plants and can greatly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions (Newman, 2008). Electricity is another form of alternative fuels. Electricity as an alternative is by far the easiest to access by simply just plugging in your vehicle to the nearest outlet. The downfall to an “all electric” car is that the battery required would be so large that the vehicles would need to be designed around the battery itself and the cost for now, would be too expensive (Newman, 2008). Hydrogen, vegetable oil, and even solar panels are alternatives that could someday be used as an alternative to unleaded fuel if the demand becomes great enough. References Future Vision Energy, LLC. (2011). Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://www.futurevisionenergy.com/What_is_Ethanol.html Newman, R. (2008, January 11). The Pros and Cons of 8 Green Fuels. U.S. News &...
Words: 271 - Pages: 2
...Lekeisha Mitchell Eng 102 Howell T/TH Is Ethanol the New Fuel of Tomorrow? If you’re like me, the prices at the pumps have probably got you ready to trade in your car keys for a helmet, knee pads, and reflectors. Since the beginning of the current term, our fearless leader has repeatedly reminded us that we must no longer be dependent on foreign oil. I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds like we’re addicts who’ve just missed a few steps of the 12-step program. He talks as though we have a choice in the matter. Is there an alternative fuel that would no longer force billions of Americans to have to choose between feeding their family a healthy meal or having a ride to work? Would you give it a go? Well, let me be the first to tell you that everything that glitters isn’t gold. As with any and everything, there are pros and cons of alternative fuel. At the risk of sounding like my mother: remember way back when the price of a gallon of unleaded fuel cost the same as an item on McDonald’s Value Menu, when you could literally pay for gas from the change in your couch cushions? Those were the days. Unfortunately, nowadays, you’d have to dig in all of your friends’ cushions, and you would still have to sell a pint of blood just to have gas for the week. And at the risk of sounding like my mom yet again: I never thought I would see the day when the cost of a gallon of milk and the cost of a gallon of gas would be running a tight race--and in some parts of the country--the...
Words: 1653 - Pages: 7
...Alternative Fuel Company Case Cristin Johnson BUS632: Advanced Logistics Ashford University Instructor: Matthew Keogh July 12, 2016 Alternative Fuel Company Case For this assignment I will refer to the Barwood Cab Fleet Study of alternative fuel. Barwood based in Kensington, Maryland incorporated the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles with a limited number in 1996. As one of the reasons to use the CNG vehicles was incentives which the local gas utility offered. This company has been in operation for over 30 years, being a family owned business with a fleet of some 400 vehicles which serves more than 5,000 customers on a daily basis. Like most cab companies the cabs are assigned to individual drivers as independent contractors, paying a daily rent in order to use Barwoods vehicles. “Of course, cost is still an issue with many alternative sources of fuel, according to Chuck Combs, who is the program lead for alternative energy at China Lake and provides the Navy and Marine Corps with technical expertise in solar and fuel cell efforts”. (Hillburn, 2007) Here will be discussed how the alternative fuel automobile company has a first year market forecast of 1000 units by identifying the forecasting model with an explanation of why it is the obvious choice, while during the first three years of operation the automobile company had actual sales of: year one 800 units, year two 1200 units, year three 2000 units and by using...
Words: 1726 - Pages: 7
...INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Fuel cell principle: Discovered in 1839 by an English physicist, Sir William Grove, the fuel cell principle relies on the simple fact that water could be split into hydrogen and oxygen by sending an electric current through it, a process which is called electrolysis. Therefore, by reversing the procedure you could produce electricity and water. He created a primitive fuel cell and called it a “gas voltaic battery”. After experimenting with his new invention, Grove proved his hypothesis. Fifty years later, scientists Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer invented the term “fuel cell” when they attempted to build a practical model to produce electricity.[i] A fuel cell is an “electrochemical energy conversion device” that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat. As opposed to the battery which stores all its chemicals inside, the fuel cell continuously produces electricity, as long as a source of fuel, e.g. chemicals, flows into the cell. Most fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals. Since fuel cells do not burn fuel, they make the process quiet, pollution-free and two to three times more efficient than combustion. A fuel cell system can be a truly zero-emission source of electricity, if the hydrogen is produced from non-polluting sources.[ii] Historical outlook: Space research first put the emphasis on the fuel cell technology. Indeed, in the 60s, the NASA chose that type of power generator to equip the...
Words: 1596 - Pages: 7
...Kyle Butler ENG 122 Professor Pushkin March 30th, 2014 Man versus Nature Mankind is steadily depleting the world’s natural resources, which is disastrous for humans and nature. Who wins in the war between man and nature? The answer is no one. However, man cannot survive without using natural resources; therefore, co-existence with nature requires balance. It is man’s primary responsibility to utilize natural resources safely and efficiently. Renewable natural resources such as trees, water, sun and wind ought to be the primary sources of energy. Secondary sources of energy should be non-renewable resources such as oil and natural gas. The government should be required to make use of renewable resources, implement conservation plans and minimize the environmental impact that results from extracting, processing and using natural resources. The first step in co-existing with nature is making use of renewable resources. The federal government should require the state to implement strategies to use renewable energy such as, wind power. Wind power has been used for centuries through the use of windmills, which can pump water, ground grain, and provide electricity for home-use, etc. As stated on Energy.gov, “…small wind electric systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems – with zero emissions and pollution” (“Small Wind Electric Systems”). Today, wind turbines are used to capture wind, convert it into energy, and then create electricity...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
...of the arc, it is gaining potential energy and losing kinetic energy until it again reaches an instantaneous stop at the top, and the process starts over. The kinetic energy of the object at the bottom of the arc is equal to the potential energy it had at the top of the arc. Disregard the friction, the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy remains constant throughout the swing. The fossil fuels are objects that are decomposed over a period of time. The fossil fuels are usually having lots of carbon which is produced into natural gas, coal and petroleum. Fossil fuels also have lower numbers of carbons and create methane. The fossil fuels are an attractive source because they can be burned and create more enough energy to either melting metal ore. The petroleum is good source of using oils in lamps instead of using animals. Natural gas and coal are used to run engines, produce heat, and electricity. The remaining left over is used to build our roads. The fossil fuels are known to have a straightforward combustion process, relatively inexpensive and easily transported. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy...
Words: 715 - Pages: 3
...Charlotte Yee Alternative Fuels SCI 207 Brad Wells May 9,2012 In today’s world the environment is polluted with many pollutants that are harmful to the environment and also to humans. Most of these pollutants are from our vehicles, from the trash that we stockpile, then turn them into ski parks. With gasoline becoming scarce and an abundant amount of pollution in the environment, we should make sure transportation companies enforce and search for better ways that we can use alternative fuels for a cleaner and safer environment when we use our automobile as transportation. There are several fuels in the world that claim to be safer and cleaner that what we use now. In this group some of these are hydrogen, biodiesel, ethanol, and natural gas. There are other options for different energy sources including solar powered energy and electric powered energy. Right now hybrid vehicles are the most popular when it comes to modern day cars. There are car companies that are begining to offer these cars such as Chevrolet, Mazda, Lexus, Mercury, Ford, and Saturn. Car companies today are offering hybrid cars that still use gasoline but at lower rate than that of totally gasoline fueled cars, this is a good start but there needs to be a more reliable form of fuel to use. A hybrid car is an automobile powered by a cross of two different power sources. The hybrid cars today are gasoline-electric vehicles...
Words: 2045 - Pages: 9
...Types An alternative fuel vehicle is a vehicle that runs on something other than traditional fuel, or a vehicle that does not completely rely on one type of fuel but instead a combination of fuel and battery power. The type of alternative fuel vehicle best suited for a rental car company such as Lotus, would depend on what types of alternative fuel or technology they have available. There are several different types of vehicles available, each one with a different or combination technology for alternative fuel use. Some vehicles are not available in all states, so this would also be a consideration for Lotus. The most popular and readily available alternative fuel vehicle is the Hybrid cars. Although not technically considered an alternative fuel car, these vehicles operate using advanced technology that combines the electric battery, motor and generator, creating more efficient use of traditional fuel. In addition to the gas tank they have an electric battery that stores energy during the speeding and slowing parts of a typical journey. This type of vehicle will offer a substantial savings in fuel costs because of the engine’s efficiency. Many car companies offer Hybrid cars at a reasonable cost to consumers. Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Ford all lead the way with a variety of these vehicles. There are a limited number of automakers producing Ethanol fuel vehicles. Ford, Dodge and Chevy each have a model currently available that runs on this alternative fuel. Ethanol-fueled...
Words: 1167 - Pages: 5
...Adding Alternative Fuel Rental Cars COMM / 215 March 2015 Adding Alternative Fuel Rental Cars Lotus Rental Cars are known for their high class and exotic rental vehicles at affordable costs. By adding alternative fuel vehicles to the Lotus Rental Car fleet, Lotus Rental Car can bring in higher revenue for many reasons. First, the new cars will give the customers a new variety of vehicles at the same cost as the current fleet with minimal cost difference when purchasing the new vehicles. The new cars will have better miles per gallon (MPG) and, therefore, have lower costs at the gas pump for the customer. The alternative fuel vehicles have less yearly maintenance than the current Lotus rental car. Lastly, the vehicles provide better benefits to the environment then as with the comparable unleaded gasoline only vehicles that will help decrease the environmental footprint of Lotus Rental Cars. Cost of Vehicles The current vehicle, the 2014 Lotus Evora S, is the primary vehicle in Lotus Rental Car fleet. The Lotus Evora S has a base price of $69,965 to $81,465 (Hearst Communications, Inc., 2015). The cost of the Lotus depends on what options and features are added to or come with the vehicle. The two new alternative fuel vehicles to be added to the fleet, the 2014 Cadillac ELR and the 2014 Tesla Roadster Model S, cost around the same as the Lotus Evora S. The General Motors (2015) website shows that the Cadillac ELR has a base price of $75,995 to $82,135. The...
Words: 1845 - Pages: 8
...SPS: To inform my audience of the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, and their impact on the environment. Central Idea: In order to understand the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, one must gain an understanding of the most common alternative fuels available today, as well as the vehicles currently on the market, and how they impact the environment. Intro: I. By a show of hands how many of you own a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle? A.) Congratulations, those of you that raised your hands, you’re helping the environment. B.) For those of you who didn’t raise your hand, I am going to share with you today the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, and their impact on the environment. C.) Spent the last several weeks researching this topic, and have come up with some great information I would like to share with you tonight. D.) I will cover some of the most common alternative fuels used today, and the types of vehicles that are on the market today, along with their impact on the environment. Body: I. There are four most common types of alternative fuels. I will briefly review them, and their benefits. A. Ethanol – The United States Department of Transportation defines ethanol as a renewable resource made from various plant materials, and can be blended with gasoline in various quantities. 1. Already used in Brazil since 1920s, and is derived from sugarcane (Bourne 2007). 2. Ethanol in the United States is derived from corn. 3. Per the US Department of...
Words: 1238 - Pages: 5
...Alternative fuel Opportunities "Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations"(E.E.R.E.) If there isn’t some form of a major change in the way we use, renew, and obtain energy our world will be severely effected. By 2100 if we continue at the rate we are going with fossil fuel abuse there will be an average increase of forty-eight-degrees Fahrenheit to the global temperature (E.E.R.E.). Many people believe that the effects of global warming are not going to occur until centuries from now, but reality is that there are changes already happening. Sea levels are currently rising due to glacial retreat and arctic shrinking (E.E.R.E.). There are also severe long term effects. Some major events would be severe weather events such as an increase in the more violent hurricanes and tornadoes, reversal of seasons, and even sever economic depression due to a decrease in crop production. There are many different solutions or alternatives to our current declining global situation. Cars can be powered by bio diesel, ethanol, electricity, fuel cell, hydrogen and a combination hybrid (Alternative Energy). The possibilities are endless for future possibilities to fuel our power hungry world. All it would take for our ecosystem to be saved is a little time and a slight bit more money, if nothing is done future generation will perish. A large portion of our global warming...
Words: 2346 - Pages: 10
...Alternative fuel vehicles are defined as those vehicles that run on fuel other than "traditional" petroleum fuels such as gasoline or diesel. Alternative fuel vehicles also refers to vehicles that supplement gasoline and diesel fuels with other sources of power, as in hybrid electric vehicles. From a historical standpoint, alternative fuel vehicles have been around for about a century. Early developments were spurred on by profit-seeking entrepreneurs—such was the case of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company’s steam engine vehicles from the early 1900’s, and as well as by the limited the access to fuel. (Augustine, 2011) When World War II began, fuel became scarce. New innovations for an alternative to gasoline and diesel led to the use of steam powered cars with ordinary internal combustion engines Today, a number of factors including environmental concerns, increasing oil demand, and rising oil production costs, have caused extensive research and development efforts for cleaner alternative fuels and energy efficient vehicles. In the past few years the demand for alternative fueled has increased with the increase of oil prices. Alternative fueled vehicles are the future mode of transportation for all of us. However, the rate in which alternative fueled vehicles will take over our current vehicles depends on how well these cars are economically feasible and how technologically efficient the vehicles are. I believe that if the manufacturers can make these alternatively...
Words: 1262 - Pages: 6
...adding alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet. This analysis will cover the Energy Act of 1992 concerning the alternative fuel sources, explain the pros and cons of using alternative fuel technology such as Hybrids, Battery power, Diesel, Biodiesel, and Natural Gas, and also the factors that will impact the American people having to find resources easily, which can be difficult. Energy Act of 2005 As early as 2005 the United States knew that we could not rely on fossil fuels indefinitely and did not want to rely on foreign oil. The Energy Act of 2005 sec 301 defined what the Alternative Fuels are: Ethanol, Biodiesel, Propane, Natural Gas, Hydrogen, and Electricity are all naturally produced domestically in the US. Currently the US has learned that burning gasoline is bad for the environment, and when you burn gas you create bi products such as Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide. According to an EPA study the Green House gasses that affect out atmosphere are made up of 82% Carbon Dioxide, 3% Fluorinated Gas, 6% Nitrous Oxide, and 9% Methane.(Refer to graph 1). Overview of Green House Gases EPA.gov As you can see the bulk of the emissions are carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The global goal is to reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the world, not just in the US. The goal is to create a smaller carbon footprint on the planet Earth and slow down the rate of global warming. Pros and Cons of alternative fuels Hybrids...
Words: 1937 - Pages: 8
