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Ethanol -

Energy Group Khoa Nguyen Brian Masters Elena Jaimes Zach Walker Charise Frias. Ethanol -. Part 1 . Problem Definition and Current State of System. Ethanol Biofuel.

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Ethanol -

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  1. Energy Group Khoa Nguyen Brian Masters Elena Jaimes Zach Walker ChariseFrias Ethanol -

  2. Part 1 Problem Definition and Current State of System

  3. Ethanol Biofuel • Ethanol is produced by breaking down plant matter into simple sugars and starches, then fermenting and distilling it into alcohol. • Commonly used as a 10% mixture in petroleum fuels to help produce a cleaner burning fuel. • Also used in E85 Flex Fuel vehicles at an 85% ethanol mixture to 15% petroleum. • 13.9 billion gallons produced in 2011 According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) • Government subsidies reaching $6 billion annually.

  4. E85 and Ethanol enriched fuels • Benefits • Renewable source, 6 months to grow and convert to ethanol. • 10-30% lower vehicle emissions, decreased smog levels nearly 25% since 1990 • Reduces fossil fuel imports. • Supports Rural communities- creates jobs through ethanol production plants.

  5. E85 and Ethanol enriched fuels • Disadvantages • Greenhouse gas emission- end users experience less emissions but production emissions cancel out real gains. • Land use - Significant land needed. . Cuts into land available for food production. • No consumer MPG gain • Energy intensive production- takes almost the same amount of energy to manufacture as it supplies. • Population growth and climate change demand more food production, fighting the production of ethanol.

  6. Current state analysis

  7. Part 2 Sustainable Resource Use and Stock-and-flow models

  8. Sustainable Resource Use and Stock-and-Flow Models • E85 still creates greenhouse gas emissions – 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline • High net-energy Yields

  9. Solutions • Alternative energy solutions: wind, solar, electric • Responses to Ethanol: • ‘Green Gasoline’ • Microalgae

  10. Part 3 Drivers, indicators, thresholds and variables

  11. Causal chain diagram Local economy Activists/lobbyists globalization Economic growth technology government technology Increasing oil consumption Profit Edge on competitors Impact: Environmental and Health Automobile industry Respiratory issue Activists/lobbyists Risk to public health Agricultural industry E85 related mishaps External environmental issue profit Increasing cancer rates Agricultural technology

  12. Part 4 Scenarios and our vision

  13. No intervention “Business as usual” • If there was no intervention to our current state, then the following would occur: • We continue with fossil fuels • Reach peak oil • New energy technologies will eventually diminish ethanol • Negative environmental Impact

  14. Worst case scenario • Increase in E85 Production • Negative Environmental Impact • Completely dependent on fossil fuels

  15. Best case scenario • Electric cars only • Positive environmental Impact • Food crops used for food ONLY • Cellulosic ethanol • Made from non food items such as switchgrass, wood chips and even the leaves and stalks of corn.

  16. Vision • In the future, there will be a prohibition of fossil fuels/ E85 and dominant use of energy will be electric-based. The current government will be socialism, and they will fund electric energy for transportation and home use. Also, the prices for electric-based cars will be affordable for everyone and the land use for E85 production will be used strictly for food purposes. Gas stations supplying E85 will be replaced with charging stations/other alternatives. • Overall, our vision will result in preservation of the environment and biodiversity. Future generations will have a healthier and more sustainable world.

  17. Part 5 Transition strategies and Trade-offs

  18. Transition strategies • Paradigm Shift • Spread the Knowledge • Government Support • Laws and Regulations • Make Driving Electrical Beneficial • Adapt Cities • Ban Gas Powered Vehicles

  19. Trade-offs and stakeholders • Pollution from development • Loss of Jobs • Change in Infrastructure • Gas Vehicles to Electric • Disposal Cost • Consumers • Drivers • Car and Gas Companies • Government • Farmers

  20. Timetable

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