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DF 7 & DF 8 Changing the fuel

This article explores the current problems with traditional fuel, including high emissions and volatile components. It discusses the use of oxygenates like MTBE, methanol, and ethanol as potential replacements. The article also mentions the possibility of hydrogen as a future fuel source, highlighting its clean burning properties and potential to be produced from renewable energy sources. It concludes with a discussion on the government's plans to reduce pollution and increase renewable energy usage.

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DF 7 & DF 8 Changing the fuel

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  1. DF 7 & DF 8 Changing the fuel

  2. Current problems • Aromatic hydrocarbons up to 40% of petrol • Give higher CO, CxHy & NO emissions • Some may cause cancer, e.g. benzene • Volatile components evaporate, causing ozone formation & photochemical smog

  3. Other considerations • Butane and aromatic hydrocarbons have high octane numbers – so must be replaced by other high octane components • Oxygenates offer high octane and less pollution

  4. Which oxygenates? • MTBE • Methanol • Ethanol

  5. MTBE • May be carcinogenic • Banned in parts of USA

  6. Methanol • Burns cleanly • Octane number 114 • Cheap BUT - • Does not mix readily with petrol • Very hygroscopic – absorbs water vapour, leading to corrosion of engine parts • Toxic

  7. Ethanol • Burns cleanly • Octane number 111 • Readily produced by fermentation

  8. The future? • Hydrogen? • Can be produced by electrolysis of water • This needs energy, but solar energy or wind power could be used, thus replacing fossil fuel use with use of renewable energy sources

  9. Renewable Energy: Is enough being done? • The government has released its Energy White Paper. The paper announced plans to radically cut the pollution linked to global warming. • The paper suggests that It also announced the running down of nuclear power stations, which currently supply about 25% of all UK electricity. • 10% of electricity should come from renewable power such as wind and wave energy by 2010.

  10. November 2003 • The first British off-shore wind farm opens off the Welsh coast • 16 more are planned

  11. How would hydrogen be used? • Hydrogen can be stored • It can be used in the internal combustion engine • A fuel cell in the car would use hydrogen to generate electricity

  12. The Fuel Cell is a device which converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. It achieves this using a process which is the reverse of electrolysis of water • As a result of hydrogen and oxygen combining to make water, electricity flows.

  13. Problems with hydrogen • A gas with a small relative formula mass • A large volume is needed to power a vehicle • If hydrogen is compressed, a very strong fuel tank is needed (this would be heavy).

  14. Assignment 12 Have a go!

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