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Corn Based Ethanol. By David Acselrod 4/12/07. Overview. Process History Viable Source of Energy Emissions Conclusion. Process. Cultivation of Corn Fermentation Distillation (95% Water Free) Dehydration (99.9% Water Free) Denaturing. History. Used as Fuel Since 1908
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Corn Based Ethanol By David Acselrod 4/12/07
Overview • Process • History • Viable Source of Energy • Emissions • Conclusion
Process • Cultivation of Corn • Fermentation • Distillation (95% Water Free) • Dehydration (99.9% Water Free) • Denaturing
History • Used as Fuel Since 1908 • Gasoline Found to be Cheaper (debatable) • Used as Knock Suppressive 1920s,1930s • Lead Found to be Cheaper (debatable) • 1973 Oil Embargo Renews Interests • Energy Tax Act of 1978, Reformations • Accounts Presently for 3% of US Fuel Use
Viable Source of Energy • Net Energy Value (NEV) • Inputs • -Farm Energy • -Corn Transport • -Ethanol Conversion • -Distribution • +Coproducts (primarily animal feed) • Output • +Combustible Fuel (HHV≈84,000Btu/gal)
Pimentel’s Calculations • Corn Yields Date from pre 1992 • Values for Energy to Create Fertilizer Come from 1990 Worldwide Values • Value for Energy Needed to Convert Corn to Ethanol (within plant) date pre 1980 • Assumes all Corn is Irrigated (only 16% is) • Low Energy Credits for Co-products
Emissions • EPA Concludes that E-85 Reduces GHG Emissions by 20-25%
Conclusion • Viable Source of Energy • Helps to Reduce GHGs • Helps to Reduce Dependency on Foreign Oil