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Objectives. Explain how to implement green fleets Learn about incentives for converting to biodiesel fleets Learn about the availability and cost of biodiesel fuel Identify the advantages of using biodiesel Understand how to safely handle biodiesel. Greening of Fleets. Why use green fleets?
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Objectives • Explain how to implement green fleets • Learn about incentives for converting to biodiesel fleets • Learn about the availability and cost of biodiesel fuel • Identify the advantages of using biodiesel • Understand how to safely handle biodiesel
Greening of Fleets • Why use green fleets? • Reduce operating costs • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Improve corporate image
How to Implement Green Fleets • Get buy-in • Create long-term objectives • Avoid setting reduction goals in absolute numbers • Anticipate obstacles • Move slowly • Improve vehicle use • Track and report progress
Biodiesel Fleets • Conventional diesel = refined petroleum • Emissions/pollution concerns • Dependence on foreign petroleum supplies • Biodiesel = fuel made from natural products • Domestically produced • Similar to conventional diesel • Soy methyl ester diesel (SME)
Biodiesel Can Be Made From: • Vegetable oil • Soybean oil • Canola oil • Rapeseed oil • Palm oil • Sunflower oil • Peanut oil • Recycled cooking oil • Beef tallow • Algae*
Hundreds of U.S. fleets, representing more than 25,000 vehicles from commercial, government, utility, and transit use, currently run on biodiesel. Source: Biodiesel.org.
Biodiesel Fleets • B20 = most common blend • B5 and B2 also popular • Heavy-duty vehicles: • Buses • Farm equipment • Military vehicles Figure 1: Biodiesel-fueled bucket truck. Source: AFDC.
Biodiesel benefits: • Betterment of health and environment • Efficiency of our economy • Sustained strategic energy security • Reduced dependence on foreign oil • Pure biodiesel is: • Nontoxic • Biodegradable • Sulfur-free
Incentives for Using Biodiesel in Fleets • Incentives: • Partnership initiatives and pooled resources • Financial subsidiaries • Informational tools • Initial cost vs. federal and state incentives • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act • Clean Cities Program
Tax Incentives • Internal Revenue Service tax credit • $1.00/gallon for agri-based biodiesel • $0.50/gallon for recycled cooking oil biodiesel • Tax credits/rebates vary by state
Federal Grant Funding • Federal government = largest grant provider • U.S. Department of Energy • U.S. Department of Transportation • Environmental Protection Agency • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Different Opportunities from each agency
State Grant Funding • State Energy Office • National Association of State Energy Officials directory • Alternative Fuels Data Center map • Individualized fleet manager resources
Incentives for Biodiesel Production • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Farm Service Agency • Biomass Crop Assistance Program: • Payment matching for delivery of material to processing • Contracts with the Commodity Credit Corporation • Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers
Federal incentives are available for producers of bioenergy feedstock. To learn more, visit: www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws
Biodiesel Availability and Cost • Biodiesel is global • European Union produces large amounts of biodiesel • U.S. = more than 2,800 retailers • 15 manufacturers, more than 17 models
Figure 2: Biodiesel fueling stations by state. Source: AFDC.
Slightly higher price • 20% of biodiesel production capacity vs. 90% conventional diesel production capacity • Reduced price gap Figure 3: Diesel and biodiesel cost comparison. Source: AFDC.
Biodiesel price depends upon: • Cost-blend price availability • Conventional diesel price • Feedstock prices • Weather conditions • Processing • Distribution • Refining capacity • Refining location
Biodiesel Advantages • Domestic production – renewable resources • Compatible with most diesel engines • Fewer particulate matter/greenhouse gas emissions • No new fueling infrastructure needed • Creation of jobs • Rural development • Biodegradable • Nontoxic • Safe to handle
Things to Consider • Blends above B5 – warranties • Lower fuel economy/power • More expensive • Higher nitrogen oxide emissions • B100 not suitable in low temperatures • B100 vs. engine durability
Biodiesel Performance and Safety • Similarity to ultralow-sulfur diesel: • Fuel consumption • Horsepower • Torque • Hauling capabilities • Little/no engine and infrastructure modifications • Increased lubricity
Performance • Fuel filter issues • Cold weather: • Thickening • Cloud point • Pour point • Different blends • Cold flow preparation
Biodiesel Performance Summary Similar horsepower to diesel Natural lubricant Cleans engines Faster ignition Poor cold flow properties
Safety • Less combustible • More biodegradable • Higher flashpoint • Diamond placards Figure 4: NFPA 704 hazard placard for B100 biodiesel. Source: NFPA.
Safety • Possible combustion • Biodiesel-soaked items • Follow specific handling steps Figure 5: Hazardous material UN 1993 placard for diesel. Source: USDOT, PHMSA.
Biodiesel Safety Summary Environmentally safe Nontoxic and biodegradable Flashpoint above conventional diesel NFPA rated minimal fire hazard Spontaneous combustion risk
Test Your Knowledge • True or False: The cost of biodiesel depends on the biodiesel blend. (Ex: B20 costs less than B100) • Biodiesel is produced from feedstocks such as soy bean oil and vegetable oil. New research also suggests that ____________ can be made into biodiesel. • True or False: The biggest obstacle for widespread biodiesel use in fleets, and other alternative fuels, is lack of infrastructure. • List one of the three reasons mentioned in the text as to why the U.S. should use biodiesel. • True or False: Fleet managers should expect to change fuel filters after the first tank of biodiesel runs through their vehicle.