Differences Between Clean Fuels and Dirty Fuels - Coursework Example

Clean Fuels Vs. Dirty Fuels Sr. No. Topic Page No Clean Fuels 3 Meaning 3 Benefits 3 Emission Benefits 3 Mileage Benefits 4 Feasibility 5 2 Dirty Fuels 6 Meaning 6 Demerits 6 3 A Comparative Study 7 4 Case Study: Mileage Benefit 9 5 Bibliography 10 Clean Fuels Meaning Any numbers of energy sources are capable of powering motor vehicles including alcohols, electricity, natural gas, and propane though the most commonly ones used are gasoline and diesel. Some vehicle fuels, because of physical or chemical properties, create less pollution than gasoline does. These are called "clean fuels." (Chemical engineering tools and information) Clean fuel" means all products or energy sources that are used to drive motor vehicles, other than conventional petrol, diesel. These while compared to conventional gasoline, diesel or reformulated gasoline, results in lower emissions of nitrogen oxides, explosive organic compounds, carbon monoxide or particulates or any combination of these. (US Sec 963) Benefits Emission Benefits: Clean fuels have numerous properties which make them cleaner than other dirty fuels like gasoline or adulterated diesel mixtures. Usually these fuels release fewer hydrocarbons, and the hydrocarbons emitted are less toxic and less reactive. Emissions from electricity, natural gas, or alcohol-powered vehicles can be roughly about 90% lesser than in toxics and ozone-forming hydrocarbons than emissions from vehicles using dirty fuel. (Chemical Engineering Tools and Information) Mileage Benefits: Apart from the emission benefits, the best thing that appeals the minds of the users is that the mileage difference is notable, which results in a lot of cost saving. Here, it is to be noted that there is a win-win situation. The better mileage advantage helps the companies increase their sale. Moreover, the customers get more than just cost effectiveness. European and Japanese automakers are about to invade the market with new clean-diesel models that catch much better mileage than the standard gasoline-burning model. Among the many contenders, Mercedes shall offer its SUVs -- M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class --with diesel engines. BMW aims to bring its popular turbo diesel engines to US models. And Nissan is coming with a diesel Maxima sedan. Volkswagen was an early pioneer in diesel in the US, but it will convert to new cleaner diesel technology in models starting 2008, which it dubs "Blue Motion." VW is betting its new TDI Jetta, which launches in February, will help stoke its US sales. (Business week May 04 2007) This makes it clear that the model is not only gaining popularity for its air benefits but also finding high acceptance with the users, which is why the major players have shifted their focus to it. The concept of clean fuels actually came up to start with its clean atmosphere benefits, but eventually in the drive vehicle manufacturers opened their eyes to its selling points too. Today, they have been able to design innovative models resulting in cost effectiveness, speed, lower maintenance etc. for the users compared to the conventional petrol and diesel run trucks/cars. It is to be noted that The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC is the first model in America to take advantage of the clean low-sulfer diesel (Autos, MSN) Feasibility Clean fueled transport vessels are in use and widespread usage in the near future is feasible. To facilitate the changeover, technologies must be polished so that the vehicles can be made to attain optimal performance and emissions features. Users must show their acceptability to better and newer vehicles and fuels, and industry as well as government must cooperate to ensure their availability. It would take a concerted endeavor by all segment s of the society, but a shift to clean fuels can be the most feasible way for cities to have clean air and for users to have a better performance along with cost cutting. Dirty Fuels Meaning Fuel that is contaminated with water, particles, etc., generally causing an engine to function poorly or not at all (Glossary, sitesalive) Demerits As can be inferred from the above mentioned narration, dirty fuel results in higher vehicle cost in terms of lower mileage. Not only that, the usage of dirty fuel results in the spare parts of the vehicles in a bad condition, much earlier compared to their original life. Hence, performance is lower and on the other hand maintenance expenditure also increases with a period of time. Not only that but fueling also become difficult. Apart from that, as widely known, the air pollution concern is also on a rise because of this. There are clean fuels like electricity which would have a potential of zero emission which would never become possible with the usage of dirty fuels. Dirty fuel can also lead to clogged injectors. If the filter becomes congested and the flow of fuel gets considerably restricted, fuel pressure could reach hazardous levels and break fuel lines resulting in gas leaks and possible fire hazards. (Fuel Filter) A comparative study The advantages of clean fuel listed here below automatically throw light on what are the disadvantages of using dirty fuel. Moreover, one can easily see that the benefits far outweigh the demerits enlisted. Here are certain varities of Clean Fuels with their Advantages & Disadvantages: FUEL ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Electricity Potential for nil emissions Easier to control emission Recharge possible at night, due to low demand Limited technology Vehicle cost, high Less convenient refueling Vehicle range, lower Ethanol Good automotive fuel Very low ozone emissions Made from renewable resource Domestic production possible Fuel cost, high Vehicle range, lower Methanol Good automotive fuel Very low ozone emissions Use of renewable sources possible in producion Import of fuel, required Vehicle range, lower Natural Gas (methane) Very low ozone emissions Use of renewable sources possible in producion Great fuel for fleets including trucks Vehicle cost, high Less convenient refueling Vehicle range, lower Propane Cheaper than petrol Very Wide availibilty Lower emissions Cost would increase with demand Supply is limited No energy security benefits Reformulated Gasoline Change in fuel distribution system not required Slightly lower emissions of ozone-forming toxins Higher fuel costs to an extent Few energy security benefits Case Study: Here, we see a case of how the clean fuel gives an edge in terms of mileage. The case is brought forward by putting forth an article appearing about trucktrends. Mileage Benefit: A case for Technology giving Better Miles per Gallon In future, automakers will put forward a new generation of pickups and SUVs showcasing increased fuel cost cutting and reducing emissions. It is also possible to clean up an older vehicle and realize a financial savings, by shifting to a celan fuel vehicle recognized by an Environmental Protection Agency. In the coming few years, gas/electric hybrid vehicles and will be offered by several manufacturers and business houses including Toyota, Lexus etc. Now even Dodge has a diesel/electric-powered hybrid Ram but it hasn't made it clear in announcements when it'll appear in showrooms. One of the case in point is as follows: Lexus RX 400h/Toyota Highlander The Lexus RX 400h will hold the difference of being the first luxury hybrid SUV in the market and, probably, the first hybrid sport/utility, if it comes to the showrooms before the gas/electric version of the Ford Escape. Bibliography Chemical engineering tools and information, published by EPA, August 1994, Retrieved on 16th July 07, Website: http://www.cheresources.com/aecleanzz.shtml, US Sec 963, Retrieved on 16th July 07 Website: janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/10/title10sec963-A.html Business Week 4th May2007, Retrieved on 16th July 07 Website:www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2007/05/the_diesel_arma.html Autos, MSN Retrieved on 16th July 07 Website: http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspxcontentid=4024643 Glossary Sites alive, Retrieved on 16th July 07 Website: www.sitesalive.com/admin/glossary/sectD.html Fuel Filter, Retrieved on 16th July 07 Website: http://type2.com/bartnik/filter.htm Trucktrend, Retrieved on 16th July 07 Website: www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0410_hybrid_cars Read More