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Green alternatives in transportation

Name

Institute
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Contents

Abstract............................................................................................................................................5

Acknowledgements..........................................................................................................................6

Introduction......................................................................................................................................8

Literature review..............................................................................................................................9

Statistical Modelling......................................................................................................................11

Major Green alternatives in transportation................................................................................11

Electrical energy.....................................................................................................................12
Statistical representation with reference to emission with petroleum products.....................13
Natural gas..............................................................................................................................15
Propane (liquid petroleum gas, or LPG)................................................................................17
Ethyl alcohol...........................................................................................................................18
Methanol.................................................................................................................................20
Biodiesel.................................................................................................................................21
Hydrogen................................................................................................................................22
Statistical Results...........................................................................................................................24

Analysis.........................................................................................................................................25

Discussion......................................................................................................................................25

References......................................................................................................................................27

Appendices....................................................................................................................................29
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Table of figure

Figure 1 history of alternative fuels...............................................................................................11

Figure 2 the functioning of the electrically driven vehicle............................................................13

Figure 3 emission from petrol and electric cars retrieved from: sustainability-ed.org.uk.............14

Figure 4 carbon di oxide emission form electric cars in contrast with gasoline............................15

Figure 5 5 emission rates compared with petrol............................................................................16

Figure 6 emission rates compared with petrol...............................................................................17

Figure 7 comparisons of toxics from LPG and Petrol Retrieved from www.apamfg.com.au......18

Figure 8 Ethyl Alcohol and its impact on greenhouse gases.........................................................20

Figure 9 Biodiesel Emissions vs. Diesel........................................................................................22

Figure 10 the chart of comparison between conventional fuels....................................................23

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Abstract

Fossil fuel has remained the most controversial issue since the discovery. Due to extensive usage

of the fossil fuel and other petroleum products we presently are facing a lot of environmental and

financial issues. To overcome the ever increasing need of fuels we must seek some of other

alternates which have the potential to overcome the needs of present times. With this intention

several fuel alternatives were checked with the consideration of minimal prices and least

environmental effect. All the alternative fuels were compared in contrast to the petroleum

products and statistical differences were developed using the excel program in the form of charts

and tables to establish a correlation between the petroleum products and other green

environmental friendly alternatives in transportation.

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Acknowledgements

I am cordially gratified to my supervisor, ……………., whose support, supervision and

accompaniment from the preliminary to the concluding level enabled me to build up a thoughtful

approach of the topic. Finally, I present my compliments and benedictions to everybody who

assisted me in any regard throughout the completion of the report.

Name
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Table of content
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Introduction

Is there any applicable alternate for gasoline or diesel fuel in the transportation? From the

time when the oil crises of 1970s and the increase in the understanding of environmental and

safety issues, strategy shapers have repeatedly well thought-out this subject. For all these reasons

the contemporary world has initiated to look for the options to petroleum fuels. Dominantly,

these rationalities consist of restraining habituation on imported petroleum, ascertaining the

discharges of pollutants in the air, and fixing the discharges of greenhouse gases. Several fuels

are conceived as substitute transportation green fuels. These green fuels are electrical energy,

natural gas, propane (liquid petroleum gas, or LPG), ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, biodiesel, and

hydrogen. A number of of these fuels are comparable with the conservative fuels, and are able

be used in common vehicles with minute or no variation to the automobile. Nevertheless, few of

these green fuels are considerably dissimilar, and need the use of entirely altered mechanism,

fuel, and drive systems. Therefore, price in addition to the efficiency of the linked alternative

fuel vehicles (AFVs) ought to be part of the discussion. Controlling influential elements in the

eventual achievement or malfunction of any alternative fuel consist of the comparative cost of
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the fuel, the capability to increase and enlarge fuelling stations along with the functioning and

security of the green fuel.

Literature review

Replacements of fossil fuel along with seeking the substitute fuel reserves date from the

early quarter of the 19th century with the creation of the electric car. Electrically motorized

vehicles were well-situated to generate than petrol power-driven vehicles and as a result became

the power of choice. In due course, the petrol engine was advanced and the uncovering of several

mass reserves of oil all the way through the world draws it the evident choice as the vital source

of energy.

The commencement of substitute fuel initiated majorly with the gas deficiency of the

early 1970s. The upset that financial system and means of life were so susceptible makes

scientists hurry to hit upon a substitute fuel that cuts down our reliance on fuels like oil and

gasoline. The consequence was the appliance of ethanol as a burnable fuel resource. Ethanol is a

generally recognized alcohol. It is the alcohol in our alcoholic drink, plum, liquor and

moonshine. It may possibly power a locomotive in addition to a gasoline engine with a smaller

degree of emission. Ethanol was not expensive, fine for the environment and the material to

construct it were plenteous as cultivators harvested and accumulated corn.

In additional alternative green fuel analysis other types of gases were set up to be

probable substitute green fuel sources. Methane, propane and hydrogen were established to have

the most promise. The trouble with these gases is there compatibility consequences when

running with the customary engines. Alterations were desired to use these substitute green fuel
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sources. Several consider that substitute green fuels have not been sustained for the reason of

opinionated stress and buttonholing by the oil industry. However profitable and political stresses

are revolving the wave on these ascendances. Global warming fears by environmental concerns

have prepared substitute energy and alternative fuels even additional eye-catching to expand.

The times past of substitute green fuel is still in its early years although is speedily acquiring

thrust.

Some major contributors in the field of seeking alternatives for fossil fuel include,

Norman F. Cantor, Alexander Graham Bell and Jimmy Carter. All of the mentioned influential

personalities played a vital role to develop a thought among people to consider this issue in a

serious manner.
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Figure 1 history of alternative fuels

Statistical Modelling

Major Green alternatives in transportation

Throughout the course of time several alternatives for petroleum products have been

recognized. Some of them are practically tested for their performance, cost and environmental

impacts. Among the most common alternates are electrical energy, natural gas, propane (liquid
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petroleum gas, or LPG), ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, biodiesel, and hydrogen. These

alternatives are environmental friendly and have very little environmental impact. Below are the

details of each energy alternative along with its statistical correlation with any of the petroleum

related products.

Electrical energy

Electric energy is one of the most vital sources of energy. An electric vehicle (EV) is

motorized by an electric motor, as contrasting to an inner burning engine. Power is provided to

the vehicle by a set of re-chargeable cells or batteries. Whilst the vehicle is not being used, these

rechargeable cells or batteries are re-energized. As far as the performance of the EVs is

concerned, they are very environmental friendly and they are able to reduce up to 90 percent of

the pollutants and green house gases which are produced during the process of hydro-carbon

combustion. Moreover, their toxic impact and waste ratios are equally low. There are several

drawbacks associated with the electric energy. Among them are their long refilling times and less

mileage. For instance, an electrically driven vehicle is able to cover distance ranging from 50-

150 miles only. Whereas the other conventional vehicles can cover up to seventy percent more

distances. The second major drawback is their refilling duration which takes hours to get

charged. As there is no combustion-able fuel used in electrically driven vehicles therefore, they

are very safe. In case of any accident there are very less levels of risks associated as they work

on the cell mechanism. California is the leading state of the world with more than 700 filling

stations. However, in the rest of the states, there are very little refilling stations which are a big

barrier in using electricity as an alternative fuel.

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Figure 2 the functioning of the electrically driven vehicle

Retrieved from: http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2010/06/03/self-powered-electric-

cars_rQt1e_3868.jpg

Statistical representation with reference to emission with petroleum products

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Figure 3 emission from petrol and electric cars retrieved from: sustainability-ed.org.uk
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Figure 4 carbon di oxide emission form electric cars in contrast with gasoline

Date retrieved from:

http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/6/3/saupload_6.2.10_china_co2.png

Natural gas

Natural gas can be defined as organic natured gas which is a by-product of petroleum

products. The composition is mostly methane. Currently, the importance of natural gas has
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increased mainly due to its wide global distribution and variety of usages. In the transportation,

natural gas plays a vital role. It is commonly stored in the form of compressed natural gas

(CNG). Natural gas is one of the cheapest alternate of petroleum and is comparatively

environmental friendly. The toxic content with the use of natural gas, compared to petroleum are

65-90 percent less than petroleum. Moreover, the cheap rate and availability of the natural gas

makes it more feasible green alternate. By the use of natural gas VOC contents are reduced by 80

percent and NOx emission is reduced up to 30 percent which is no doubt a big percentage as far

as the environmental factors are concerned. The drawback is mileage. Unlike traditional vehicles

natural gas supported vehicles can run up to 200 miles at max. Therefore, they are limited in

their use.

Figure 5 5 emission rates compared with petrol

Retrieved from: http://unfcccecosingapore.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/is-natural-gas-really-

green/
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Figure 6 emission rates compared with petrol

Retrieved from: http://unfcccecosingapore.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/is-natural-gas-really-

green/

Propane (liquid petroleum gas, or LPG)

Propane or LPG is by-product of natural gas. Moreover, it is also generated from further

refinement of petroleum products. Similar to the natural gas it is used in compressed liquefied

form. It is not as much common as CNG is however, still it is found commonly. Like CNG it is

also not good reliable source of energy. The vehicle cannot travel in a dependant manner with

LPG as the mileage rates are 200-250 miles.

As far as the environmental performance is concerned, LPG automobiles lean to

fabricate considerably lower ozone-forming emissions, even though it can be hard to calculate
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the deviations. Agreeing to the California Energy Commission, LPG based automobiles produce

more or less 33% lesser unstable organic compounds (VOCs), 20% less nitrogen oxides (NOx),

along with 60% less carbon monoxide. A type piece disadvantage to LPG is the decreased range

as equated to gasoline. On the other hand, as LPG has the maximum volume of energy in the

alternative green fuels, therefore this decrease in range is more or less 26%. Additionally, bigger

LPG vehicles can take a big tank, and tend to uphold a range amid 300 and 400 miles.

Conversely, to permit longer variety, load is diminished because of the mass and weight of the

LPG storage tank.

Figure 7 comparisons of toxics from LPG and Petrol Retrieved from www.apamfg.com.au

Ethyl alcohol

Ethanol, commonly called ethyl alcohol, can be explained as a form of alcohol prepared

by fermenting and concentrating simple sugar compounds. Ethyl alcohol is present in the

alcohol bearing drinks. Additionally, it is denaturized (caused useless for human utilization)
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when utilized as fuel or industrialized functions. Even though the most extensive existing

utilization of fuel ethanol in the United States is as a chemical addition in gasoline, in grosser

forms it has the ability to be utilized as a substitute of gasoline. It is created and used mainly in

the regions of Midwest, where corn the major raw material for the production of ethanol. When

consumed as a substitute fuel, ethanol is frequently mixed with gasoline at a ratio of 85% ethanol

to make a compound called E85. Along with other substitute fuels, there are several advantages

but also disadvantages linked with its utilization.

Major environmental vantage with ethanol is its comparatively low life-cycle greenhouse

gas reductions. Ethanol-generated automobiles lean to liberate lesser degrees of greenhouse

gases compared to gasoline powered vehicles. Moreover, the development procedure of the

ethanol raw material also plays a vital role in the uptake of carbon dioxide. Furthermore it is

leading reason of minimizing the net greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, when the

raw materials and exercises employed to develop the raw material and the fuel are taken into

consideration, discharges for both fuels are enhanced. Agreeing to a research by Argonne

National Laboratory, the utilization of ethyl alcohol aftermaths in a 14% to 19% decrease in life-

cycle greenhouse gas discharges, and with gains in expertise, this rate of decrease may perhaps

be as elevated as 70% to 90% by the year of 2013. On the other hand, other opinions indicate

lower competence in the ethanol fuel cycle, contributing to lesser reducing in greenhouse gas

emissions.
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Figure 8 Ethyl Alcohol and its impact on greenhouse gases.

Retrieved from: www.greeningofoil.com

Methanol

Methanol, the merest alcohol, is also commonly named as “wood alcohol.” It is

commonly created from natural gas; however it can also be created from several other hydro-

carbons in the form of by-products like coal or biomass. As a source of energy, methanol is

mostly utilized as a flux with gasoline which is named as M85 (85% methanol, 15% gasoline),

even though the fuel as the ability to be utilized in its pure (neat) form which is commonly

known as M100. Additionally, common locomotion, Indianapolis-type cars which are usually
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used for the purpose of race make use of methanol in an excessive manner. In contrast, as a

motor fuel, it has several advantages, other than drawbacks. One of the main gains of methanol

automobiles is enhanced environmental presentation over gasoline vehicles. M85 automobiles in

general emit 30% to 50% less ozone-forming complex compounds. And while formaldehyde

emissions lean to be high with methanol compared to the gasoline, M85 driven automobiles

would probably be able to congregate recent milestones of emissions.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel in the simplest terms can be defined as an artificial diesel fuel that is formed

from greasy raw materials for instance, soybean oil or the recycled cooking oil. Even though

additional pricey compared to usual diesel, it has several significant advantages. The highly

noteworthy advantage is its similarity with the conventional diesel; the fuel can be utilized in

every existing diesel engine operated motor.

Biodiesel is commonly blended with commonly used diesel at the 20:80 ratios. The

resultant green fuel is called B20 and has the ability to be utilized in already diesel designed

engines with a very little or no mechanical alteration. Higher percentage of bio-diesel has the

ability to be used as pure fuel. However, particularly with modern equipment the utilization of

biodiesel (B20 or greater percentages) heads to significant decreases in discharges of VOCs,

carbon monoxide, along with dangerous particulate matter. Conversely, NOx emissions tend to

amplify with the utilization of biodiesel.

Other than the alterations in releasing, there appears to be very few, if any, variation in

operation amid biodiesel and commonly used diesel. Load and mileage remain the same, and

sustentation costs may in reality be reduced because of the minor sulphur percentage in the fuel.
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A few little alterations may be essential with densities greater than 20%; due to reality that

biodiesel is an extremely efficient solvent and can rust seals of the motor engine.

Figure 9 Biodiesel Emissions vs. Diesel

Hydrogen

Due to its occurrence in water, hydrogen is rich and abundant, even though it does not

come into view in clean form in any major amount. The hydrogen in water has the characteristic

to be broken up from oxygen during a chemical process commonly named as hydrolysis. Other

prime hydrogen origins are hydro-carbons and other petroleum products. Hydrogen fuel is of

attention due to the fact that it has the ability to be utilized in a zero-emission fuel cell. For the

reason that hydrogen fuel has the ability to be reserved in adequate amount aboard the
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automobile, fuel cell-motorized electric means of transport do not face some of the mileage and

refilling limits compared to the battery-driven electric vehicles.

The possible environmental presentation of hydrogen fuel might go beyond all other

substitute fuels. Fuel cells are considerably additional competent compared to petroleum driven

engines, and the single discharges from hydrogen fuel cells are temperature and water vapour.

On the other hand, the fuel cycle liberation from the fabrication of hydrogen fuel might reduce

its environmental performance, based upon the basic fuel used. For instance, if fashioned from

solar energy, the whole fuel cycle contaminant and greenhouse gas liberations may perhaps be

extremely low or even zero. However if hydro-carbons are combusted or transformed to produce

hydrogen based on whether liberations of by-products are caught whole emissions might equal or

even go beyond those of gasoline and diesel motors. Consequently, the eventual raw material for

hydrogen fabrication has turn out to be an important strategy concern.

Figure 10 the chart of comparison between conventional fuels

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Statistical Results

Based on the statistical results of the probable alternatives of fossil fuel, it is very clear

that petroleum products are a great threat to our environment. Due to lack of attention towards

other possible alternatives, we are facing severe problems related to our environment which will

increase as the time will pass by. Therefore, we should put forward our efforts to launch green

fuel alternatives on a broad scale to save our environment for our coming generations. Several

alternatives like CNG, LPG, Electricity and Hydrogen driven alternatives have potential to

overcome most of the issues related to environment in the contemporary world. However, it is

need of time to take a step towards saving our environment. From the statistical records we can

deduce results that only by using alternative fuelling methods in transportation we can decrease

the pollution content up to 55 percent. This great extent in the reduction of pollution and

cleaning of environment just asks for some steps. Once launched in a proper manner aided by the

federation, has the potential to overcome the issues which result in the form of petroleum crisis.

From the statistical records we also determined that fossil fuel is the worst form of fuel

which contaminates our atmosphere. Additionally, we still are in an attempt to promote it.

Therefore, we are observing the consequences of pollution every day. From the very start of the

project at least the transporting mediums should be utilizing the green fuels as mentioned above.

They are cheap and easily available. Moreover, most of them need no mechanical modification

of a very less affordable modification. The federal authorities at first should consider these

energy alternates in a serious manner to initiate a program saving the environment.

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Analysis

The analysis of the statistical data indicates the need of rapid transformation in the whole

fuel industry. The grand amount of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and other suspended particles can

be reduced to a remarkable extent only by the utilization of the green fuel alternatives. It is

amazing that why the federation is not giving the required level of attention towards the green

alternatives. For instance, the whole by production or liberation by the process of combustion in

the case of hydrogen fuel is water vapour. And in contrast we have countless toxicants in case of

hydro-carbon combustion process. It is strange that why we still not doing anything to save our

environment. The alcoholic alternatives, for instance, Methanol and Ethanol are the feasible

alternatives as they also reduce the content of the greenhouse gases in addition to lowering their

extent in atmosphere. The analysis purely indicates that if we do not switch to the green fuels

than we will soon face petroleum crisis like the one in 1970s.

Discussion

The recent records indicate that the utilization of CNG and LPG has increased throughout

the globe. It is a very positive sign as both of them reduce the carbon content along with several

other toxicants. However, as we know that these both are the natural by products of the fossil

fuels or petroleum products therefore, we should seek some other alternatives. The availability of

CNG and LPG is totally governed by the production of fossil fuel. If we lack fossil fuel we will

for sure face the shortage of these compressed liquefied gases too. Therefore, the compressed

gases both LPG and CNG should be kept as reserves and other alternatives should be considered

primarily. Second most important drawback or hurdle is the limitation of the electric fuel. Due to

lack of filling stations we presently cannot switch to this green alternate fuel. However, in the

coming times we will be needing such stations to fulfil our requirements. Biodiesel and corn
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fabricated fuels have the potential but they equally are less than required. So we cannot rely on

them. Therefore, we much launch multiple products at a time to ensure green fuelling

everywhere. Corn generated energy cannot be found in the deserts; similarly, in the backward

areas we cannot have the facility of electric power stations. The only solution to this problem is

to make feasibility of the fuelling system in the region. For instance, in the warm areas we

should use solar energy to use hydrogen. In the corn rich areas we should promote corn and so

on. By doing so, we can easily achieve our goals and safe our planet for coming generations.

Conclusion

Several environmental threats have forced us to seek some green fuel alternatives for

transportation. Every day we add tons of pollutants to the atmosphere which directly influences

the ozone layer in a very bad manner. This ozone depletion is the fatality of life on the planet

earth. We all know these facts. However, we are sitting resting hands on hands. If we do not

launch multi projects to save our environment we will no longer be able to overcome the

aftermaths of what we have done or we are doing. Therefore, it is highly recommended to launch

several projects to switch towards renewable energy alternatives which are environment friendly,

cheap and affordable. Federation should take a prime step in launching stations to overcome the

environmental issues. Moreover, the manufacturers of the automobiles should also develop cars

with multiple fuelling options. People should be taught about the hazards of fossil fuels and

through print and electronic media should be told the benefits of green fuels. All these attempts

will for sure revolutionize the fuelling technology all over the globe. We are aware of everything

the only thing which is required is the power to take initiative or first step towards the

contemporary technology promoting green transport.

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Appendices

1. U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (EIA), Alternatives to

Traditional Transportation Fuels 2003, December 2004

2. Ozone standards are maintained by limiting emissions of the three key components of

ozone: nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide.

3. An alternative fuel provider fleet is a fleet of vehicles owned and operated by a private

company that sells or distributes alternative fuels.

4. EPAct defines an alternative fuel as “any fuel the Secretary [of Energy] determines, by

rule, is substantially not petroleum and would yield substantial energy security benefits

and substantial environmental benefits.

5. Dual-fuel: capable of being operated on both conventional and alternative fuel. There

are two types of dual-fuel vehicles, bi-fuel and flexible fuel. Bi-fuel vehicles can only be

operated on one fuel at a time, while flexible fuel vehicles can operate on any mixture of

the two fuels.