Alcohol Fuel

Dwindling petroleum supplies and growing environmental concerns are significantly impacting the cost of petro-fuel and its infrastructure. The search for alternative fuel sources has led to ethanol, a gasoline substitute that is already in the marketplace as Gasohol and E-85. But large-scale production of corn-based ethanol is controversial as it threatens the world’s food supply. There are alternatives, however: Brazil uses sugar cane, which is up to six times more productive in energy conversion. After the energy crisis of the 1970s, there was a lot of misinformation about the cost of individual ethanol production. In order to achieve energy independence from gasoline, ethanol lends itself to small-scale production, and especially to cooperative ventures in rural communities, often using “waste” feedstock. Alcohol Fuel is a practical, grassroots book that will give readers all the information they need, covering every aspect of making and using ethanol for fuel, including: *Permitting and planning *Budgeting and setup *Sourcing feedstocks *Finding and building distillation equipment *Storage and safety *Practical applications for converting motor vehicles, farm equipment, and space-heating systems The practical, user-friendly information on basic equipment needs, fermentation recipes, and distillation designs will be of interest to readers looking for information, as well as to those ready to make the switch. Richard Freudenberger was research director of Mother Earth News, where he managed the Alcohol Fuel Program and developed solar and renewable solar and energy projects. He is publisher and technical editor of BackHome magazine and lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Six volumes bound under one cover make this the most comprehensive book ever written on alcohol fuel production, use, policy, history, ecology, politics and economic perspectives. Thoroughly addresses both past and present controversies, myths and misconceptions that permeate the public debate. It contains the most exhaustive treatment of potential energy crops to be found anywhere. Crops for all climates and soil types are detailed including cellulosic materials. Unique feedstocks that can have global impact like ocean kelp, cattails used for treating sewage, and creative waste products are covered. Design and construction of alcohol plants from 2 gallons per hour to 50 gallons per hour including detailed distillery design data is described in laymen?s terms for easy construction. Case histories of actual plants are covered in interviews of operations built by the author?s students.The book compares qualities of alcohol versus gasoline and diesel. In exceptional detail, conversion of gasoline, diesel, aircraft, motorcycle, two stroke, and utility engines are described. Using alcohol to produce electricity and hot water as well as cooking and cooling are also addressed. Business models for micro and small plants are laid out enabling the reader to design their own business.The author?s original concept of Community Supported Energy projects in which communities establish driver owned alcohol stations and then contract with farmers to supply the station are outlined clearly so activists can organize them. Profusely illustrated with 514 charts, photos and drawings. The book is thoroughly documented with 473 endnotes and a 6300 entry index.

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells for Portable Applications: Fundamentals, Engineering and Advances presents the fundamental concepts, technological advances and challenges in developing, modeling and deploying fuel cells and fuel cell systems for portable devices, including micro and mini fuel cells. The authors review the fundamental science of direct alcohol fuel cells, covering, in detail, thermodynamics, electrode kinetics and electrocatalysis of charge-transfer reactions, mass and heat transfer phenomena, and basic modeling aspects. In addition, the book examines other fuels in DAFCs, such as formic acid, ethylene glycol and glycerol, along with technological aspects and applications, including case studies and cost analysis. Researchers, engineering professionals, fuel cell developers, policymakers and senior graduate students will find this a valuable resource. The book’s comprehensive coverage of fundamentals is especially useful for graduate students, advanced undergraduate students and those new to the field. Provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of DAFCs and their basic components, design and performance Presents current and complete information on the state-of-the-art of DAFC technology and its most relevant challenges for commercial deployment Includes practical application examples, problems and case studies Covers the use of other fuels, such as formic acid, ethylene glycol and glycerol

Since the 1973 OPEC oil crisis, the rise of imported crude oil prices, and the questionable availability of petroleum supplies, the United States has been forced to investigate liquid-fuel alternatives. Alcohol fuels, including methanol and ethanol, offer the most realistic near-term potential as gasoline extenders or substitutes. This book is the

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells: Materials, Performance, Durability and Applications begins with an introductory overview of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC); it focuses on the main goals and challenges in the areas of materials development, performance, and commercialization. The preparation and the properties of the anodic catalysts used for the oxidation of methanol, higher alcohols, and alcohol tolerant cathodes are then described. The membranes used as proton conductors in DAFC are examined, as well as alkaline membranes, focusing on the electrical conductivity and alcohol permeability. The use of different kinds of carbon materials as catalyst supports, gas diffusion layers, and current collectors in DAFC is also discussed. State of the art of the modeling is used to estimate performance and durability. The closing chapter reviews the use of DAFC in portable equipment and mobile devices and features a detailed discussion on the mechanisms of component degradation which limits their durability. This book is written to facilitate the understanding of DAFC technology, applications, and future challenges. It is an excellent introduction for electrochemical and material engineers interested in small fuel cells as portable energy sources, scientists focused on materials science for energy production and storage, as well as policy-makers in the area of renewable energies.

Alcohol fuels must remain as an essential component for the realization of a sustainable low-carbon society. Use of locally available, under-utilized feedstock becomes important for local energy security as well as an option for distributed energy infrastructure. Utilizing the available feedstock that has not been properly regarded as a legitimate resource due to economic and social reasons should be the focal point in the search for possible resources for alcohol fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass and algal species are feedstocks that suit the purpose. This book can provide a brief introduction regarding the recent advances in the alcohol fuel field that is in constant challenge from recent issues on CO2, shale oil, power-to-gas, and hydrogen.