In Search of Alternative Fuels

The United States is one of the biggest consumers of fossil fuels. In 2006, roughly 85% of the fuel consumed in the US was a form of fossil fuel (coal, petroleum, natural gas). The United States has limited supplies of these natural resources and relies heavily on foreign reserves to meet our supply needs.

Oil The United States produces roughly 5,102,000 barrels/day (2007). We import roughly 12,390,000 barrels/day from OPEC We consume 20,687,000 barrels/day Total WORLD consumption is 82,532,000 barrels/day (2005)!

Coal In the US, we have an estimated 267 short tons of available coal found primarily in Wyomming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas. We produced roughly 1,167.5 short tons in 2007 We consumed roughtly 1,128.5 short tons in 2007 As fuel prices soar, we need to find a way to conserve our natural resources and reduce our reliance on foreign supplies. To do this we need to focus on developing economically ways to use alternative fuels!

Times are tough. Oil is at a premium. Gas prices are rising. Our entire economy is crashing! ONLY YOU AND YOUR GROUP OF CUTTING EDGE RESEARCHERS CAN HELP FIND A SOLUTION! Alternative energy sources are desperately needed to prevent an economic crisis!

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has gotten wind that the SciTech classes at Bermudian High School contain many highly talented researchers. Therefore, the DOE is running a contest for the research and development of available sources of alternative fuels and their possible uses. The head of DOE will chose a fuel and device to produce to meet our country’s economic needs based on the projects designed by Bermudian’s elite!

To impress the DOE Head Honcho (Mrs. U.) and the DOE panel (classmates) with an informative brochure and product design relating to a specific renewable energy source. The winner of the DOE search for alternative fuels will win a summer vacation staring June 10 and an opportunity to build a model of their design, time and resources willing.

You must RESEARCH a specific alternative fuel option. Develop a BROCHURE explaining the fuel source. DESIGN a PRODUCT that shows an appropriate use of the fuel. PRESENT the information to a panel of DOE associates. ASSESS the understanding of the DOE panel.

1. Each member of your elite research group must choose a role in order to perform the DOE tasks outlined on the following slides: Group Roles are as follows: Lead Researcher Recorder Designer Quality Control

2. Each group will be assigned a specific renewable/alternate fuel for research and development.  Solar power  Wind power  Hydro power  BioMass – Waste to Energy, BioDiesel, Methane  GeoThermal

3.As highly skilled researchers, you will need to thoroughly RESEARCH your assigned fuel using the links provided below. Alternative links can be used with permission from the DOE Head Honcho (Mrs. U). Energy Facts Fossil Fuels Renewable Energy Sources Energy Efficiency EERE Renewable Energy DOE Energy Efficiency Home Page Renewable Energy Worldwide Home Power Magazine (Do It Yourself stuff) EERE Energy Efficiency Science News Kids Re-Energy (contains some DIY projects)

4. Using the information you found during your research, you must DEVELOP a BROCHURE that covers the following topics: What is the fuel? Where/what does the fuel come from? How is the fuel produced? Is the fuel renewable, if so why? What can the fuel be used for? Advantages of using this fuel. Disadvantages of using this fuel. Estimated costs associated with making and using the fuel (extra credit). (This should include environmental, community and monetary costs.) The Brochure can be created electronically (Publisher, Word) or hand drawn BUT must be: Organized Easy to read (typed or NEATLY handwritten) Colorful Informative

5. As research and developers, you must use your information to DESIGN a device (car, appliance, etc.) that could run using this fuel. The design must include the following: Diagram (picture) illustrating your device (colored and labeled). Instructions on how the device could be made. Materials that you would recommend using to build the device. Explanation on how the fuel would be used to power the device.

6. Your group will have to present your findings (brochure) and device design to the DOE panel. The presentation must include a copy of your brochure for each panel member or a guided note packet. The presentation must be thorough and organized.

7.Finally, to ensure that the panel stays awake (you know how hard state workers “work”) you will give the panel a QUIZ. The Quiz must be worth a minimum of 10 points. The Quiz must contain at least one short answer question that allows the panel members to demonstrate an understanding of your fuel and product. The Quiz will be COUNTED towards the DOE panel members’ evaluation by the Head DOE Researcher (Mrs. U)

In order to FUEL our fast-paced, industrialized lives-- whether it’s watching TV; cooking dinner; driving to work, school or play; or making the many products we so love (iPods, cell phones)-- we consume a considerable amount of resources, particularly nonrenewable fuels. In order to be an energy independent nation and to maintain our economic stability, we must develop alternative ways to fuel our lives. Many alternative fuel possibilities are awaiting discovery or refinement. However, often the costs associated with implementation outweigh the perceived benefits. I hope you had fun exploring some of those possibilities.

GOOD LUCK WITH THE CONTEST! REMEMBER, THE WORLD IS COUNTING ON YOU