Internal Combustion Engine SJCHS
Fossil Fuels Gasoline: 4-12 carbons in hydrocarbon chain Diesel: 8-25 carbons in hydrocarbon chain; 113% more energy than gasoline; more expensive
Fossil Fuels Pollution from fossil fuels
Fossil Fuels Pollution of diesel versus gasoline NGHG: Non-greenhouse gas emissions GHG: Greenhouse gases Diesel emissions have decreased over time but cleaner fuel decreases fuel efficiencies;
Fossil Fuels Fuel costs have risen
Fossil Fuels US imports 45% of our oil supply; prices and supply depends on international events
Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels are nonrenewable; worldwide production of oil will peak by 2050; the world will run out of “cheap” oil
Fossil Fuels 4 stroke internal combustion engine (ICE) Gasoline- compressed air/fuel mixture ignited by a spark powers car; % engine efficiency
Fossil Fuels Diesel ICE: fuel injected into compressed air causing ignition which powers car; 45% engine efficiency; Diesel ICEs need higher pressures (increases costs)
Biofuels Biofuels: Fuels made from plants that run an ICE; renewable; made domestically Ethanol- “biogas” (E85) Biodiesel (B100, B20)
How is ethanol made?
Biofuels Ethanol: C 2 H 5 OH; different plants have different energy contents
Biofuels Ethanol overall has lower emissions though individual pollutants can be higher than gasoline
Biofuels Ethanol costs more than gasoline
Biofuels There are fewer E85 stations outside the Midwest
Biofuels Ethanol: Extends spark plug life, reduces engine deposits; lower fuel economy; may not ignite in cold weather; E85 corrosive (need specialized engine parts)
Biofuels Biodiesel: Can be made with plants or waste vegetable oil; different plants have different energy contents
How is biodiesel made?
Biofuels Biodiesel overall has lower emissions though individual pollutants can be higher than diesel
Biofuels Biodiesel costs more than diesel
Biofuels There are few B20/B100 stations
Biofuels Biodiesels: Better lubricant, reduces engine deposits; lower fuel economy; can freeze/gel in cold weather B100:Need to replace different engine parts to avoid clogging B20: No modifications
Improving the ICE