The Need for Alternative Fuel Options
The automobile revolutionized the world. However, it also
dramatically changed the environment.
Global warming and environmental damage, while supplemented by
industrial processes, is exacerbated to an incredible extent by the emissions of daily
drivers.
The automobile, once an amazing creation, has proved to be a
factor in the destruction of the environment and the increasing temperatures found around the
globe.
To combat this problem, an alternative fuel must be found that
offers energy similar to that found in a gallon of gasoline, but without the harmful emissions of
petroleum products.
Methane
– Many scientists have suggested that methane be used as a
replacement to petroleum.
Methane hydrate (methane gas trapped in
water ice) exists in large quantities under the oceans and within the earth's crust. Methane can also be used
in much the same way that natural gas is used in automobiles.
However, this alternative fuel does have
its problems. For instance, burning methane produces the same emissions as burning
gasoline.
In addition, methane extraction and
development poses a significant problem. Today, methane is not a viable option.
Compressed Air
– Compressed air is ten times cheaper than
petroleum.
It also offers no emissions at all. Can
you run a vehicle on compressed air alone?
Companies have developed compressed air
vehicles that can obtain speeds of 35 mph, with considerable range.
However, this solution does not seem to
fit the needs of the average driver, especially those drivers living in the US.
Compressed air may be an alternative fuel option, though significant further research is required to make this a reality. In the future, compressed air/gasoline vehicles may be available, though only time will tell what this technology actually has to offer consumers. Methanol and Ethanol – Methanol and ethanol have received considerable attention in the last few years. These are alcohol-based fuels that offer temporary benefits. Because they can be produced from biological matter, they do offer sustainable energy benefits. However, the sheer amount of arable land that would need to be dedicated to methanol or ethanol production is a large drawback. In addition, the fuel does not contain as much energy as gasoline or petroleum diesel does, making these unlikely candidates to supplant gasoline as the fuel of choice for the average consumer. Currently, they are used as methods to cut, or mix, with gasoline, rather than as standalone fuels. Hydrogen – Hydrogen has been touted as the best alternative fuel available. Because it is clean burning, it produces almost no waste. Because it is widely available from sources including water and natural gas, it is considered renewable. Other sources, such as algae production, promise to make hydrogen a truly sustainable alternative fuel. Hydrogen offers many other benefits, as well. In a compressed form, it can provide the same energy as a gallon of gasoline. In addition, because it will be used to create electricity to power vehicles, it does not result in harmful emissions such as those found in gasoline. This gas may be the future of the automotive world.
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