Which is the best alternative fuel? By: Ra’Quel Jelinek

How is Methanol transformed into usable energy? This energy is transformed in usable energy by a process using natural gas as a feedstock. Can be made from a variety biomass resources like wood Can be manufactured from a variety of carbon-based feed stocks such as fuel.

Advantages of Methanol Relatively low in cost Lower risk of flammability unlike gasoline (improved safety) It can help lower United States dependence on imported petroleum Safer to handle than gasoline. Greater efficiency Burns cooler than gasoline

Disadvantages of Methanol Requires special materials for storage and delivery Extremely corrosive

How does Methanol effect the environment? Less toxic on plants and animals than gasoline does. Does not contribute to air pollution

How does Methanol compare to gasoline? Safer to handle Burns cooler Needs to be filled up more than gasoline

Is Methanol a renewable source or non- renewable Methanol is a renewable source because it can be made from renewable sources. What is the heat of combustion of Methanol? It has a low heat of combustion

Natural Gas

How is Natural Gas transformed into usable energy? CNG enters the vehicle through the natural gas fill valve and flows into high-pressure cylinders. When the engine requires natural gas, the gas leaves the cylinders and passes through the master manual shut-off valve. The gas travels through the high-pressure fuel line and enters the engine compartment. Gas enters the regulator, which reduces the gas pressure used for storage to the required vehicle fuel injection system pressure. The natural gas solenoid valve allows natural gas to pass from the regulator into the gas mixer or fuel injectors. The solenoid valve shuts off the natural gas when the engine is not running. Natural gas mixed with air flows down through the carburetor or fuel-injection system and enters the engine combustion chambers where it is burned to produce power.

Advantages of Natural Gas Less expensive than gasoline Less green house gas emissions Lower amounts of harmful emissions

Disadvantages of Natural Gas Limited vehicle available Fewer miles on a tank of fuel Less readily available than gasoline and diesel

How does Natural Gas effect the environment? One of the cleanest burning fuels More economical friendly Does not cause air pollution

What is the heat of combustion for Natural Gas? Natural Gas has lower amounts of energy making it a low heat of combustion. Is Natural Gas a renewable source or non- renewable? Natural Gas is a renewable source

How does Natural Gas compare to Gasoline? It needs to be filled up more It produces energy similar to gasoline It’s a cleaner fuel