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Alternative fuels; Paving the way to energy independence

Journal Article · · Mechanical Engineering; (United States)
OSTI ID:5479019
This paper reports on two of the most abundant domestic fuels that are methanol and natural gas. These gasoline surrogates have been receiving significant attention from Detroit. They both emit smaller quantities of the pollutants associated with gasoline, however, each has a number of drawbacks. Methanol provides about half the mileage of gasoline, while compressed natural gas vehicles have a limited driving range of about 120 miles. Liquid methanol corrodes parts in conventional gasoline engines. Natural gas must be stored in pressurized tanks that take up more room than a gasoline tank. Engines running on methanol emit toxic aldehydes, and there is public unease about the safety of driving around with a tankful of compressed natural gas in one's car. Automobile and gasoline manufacturers are designing alternative-fuel engines and fuel systems that can provide sufficient horsepower while staying within regulatory emission limits. Just as important, proponents of alternative fuels, not least among them the natural gas utilities, are developing standards to expand the infrastructure of delivery stations to make these fuels more available.
OSTI ID:
5479019
Journal Information:
Mechanical Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Mechanical Engineering; (United States) Vol. 113:12; ISSN 0025-6501; ISSN MEENA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English