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Alcohols - its use, energy and economics - a Brazilian outlook

Journal Article · · Resour Manage. Optim.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5167719
A survey is made of the state of the art of the production ethanol from sugar cane and other crops and the problems and constraints involved on its use as an automotive fuel. The improved efficiency of modified internal combustion engines running on pure alcohol is discussed as well as pollution problems. It is shown that these problems are not aggravated by the use of ethanol. The energy balances for the production of ethanol from sugar cane, cassava, sweet sorghum and wood are compared in Brazil and in the United States. Costs of ethanol from different crops are evaluated and the conclusion reached that in present Brazilian conditions it is US/12.69/GJ when produced from sugar cane. Gasoline cost in Brazil is US/12.19/GJ ex-refinery. Considering that ethanol when used as an octane booster has an efficiency 25% higher than gasoline, the final conclusion is that ethanol has reached the breakeven point as compared with gasoline in Brazil. 83 refs.
Research Organization:
Princeton Univ, NJ, USA
OSTI ID:
5167719
Journal Information:
Resour Manage. Optim.; (United States), Journal Name: Resour Manage. Optim.; (United States) Vol. 1:3; ISSN RMOPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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