Ethanol Fuel: Learn to Make and Use Ethanol to Power Your Vehicles


Book Description

There is a lot of different fuel you can make use, but the fact that you are reading this reveals your interest in ethanol as a fuel. In the world today, petroleum, solar, biodiesel are the common fuel people use today. Others may be considering ethanol because of its benefit to replace other fuel in cars, generators, tractor, or to power farm equipment or home. The majority of people who read this book to the end will likely have learned a lot about ethanol, such include; history of ethanol, how to produce ethanol at home, uses of ethanol, application of ethanol and so on. Ethanol has a long history, certainly as a beverage but also as a fuel which only comes to use in the 19th century for lighting. The path of ethanol from a light source to fuel, an additive for pure air testing and bridging technology enable us to move into an oil-free era which is exciting. The story is full of political issues, the effects of wars, industrial espionage and the pure energy of a popular movement. The most important story, however, is the fact that a full litany of common carbohydrates, not just food crops, but also agricultural slaughter, food waste, and plants that are normally bothersome, can actually become a viable fuel that is effectively distributed or produced. According to the approach adopted for the production of ethanol, it is entirely possible to maintain a fully autonomous, self-sustaining and environmentally responsible operation that produces not only fuel but also valuable by-products that can be sold, replaced, or recycled. In this way, ethanol has real advantages over other renewable fuels because it does not need many processes. Releasing unpredictable changes in traditional commodity markets can be a real advantage in long-term planning, insurance, and peace of mind.




Alcohol Fuel


Book Description

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.




David Blume's Alcohol Can be a Gas!


Book Description

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.




Alternative Fuels for Transportation


Book Description

Exploring how to counteract the world's energy insecurity and environmental pollution, this volume covers the production methods, properties, storage, engine tests, system modification, transportation and distribution, economics, safety aspects, applications, and material compatibility of alternative fuels. The esteemed editor highlights the importance of moving toward alternative fuels and the problems and environmental impact of depending on petroleum products. Each self-contained chapter focuses on a particular fuel source, including vegetable oils, biodiesel, methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, hydrogen, electric, fuel cells, and fuel from nonfood crops.




Assessment of Fuel Economy Technologies for Light-Duty Vehicles


Book Description

Various combinations of commercially available technologies could greatly reduce fuel consumption in passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and other light-duty vehicles without compromising vehicle performance or safety. Assessment of Technologies for Improving Light Duty Vehicle Fuel Economy estimates the potential fuel savings and costs to consumers of available technology combinations for three types of engines: spark-ignition gasoline, compression-ignition diesel, and hybrid. According to its estimates, adopting the full combination of improved technologies in medium and large cars and pickup trucks with spark-ignition engines could reduce fuel consumption by 29 percent at an additional cost of $2,200 to the consumer. Replacing spark-ignition engines with diesel engines and components would yield fuel savings of about 37 percent at an added cost of approximately $5,900 per vehicle, and replacing spark-ignition engines with hybrid engines and components would reduce fuel consumption by 43 percent at an increase of $6,000 per vehicle. The book focuses on fuel consumption-the amount of fuel consumed in a given driving distance-because energy savings are directly related to the amount of fuel used. In contrast, fuel economy measures how far a vehicle will travel with a gallon of fuel. Because fuel consumption data indicate money saved on fuel purchases and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, the book finds that vehicle stickers should provide consumers with fuel consumption data in addition to fuel economy information.




How to Rebuild and Modify Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors


Book Description

The Rochester Quadrajet carburetor was found perched atop the engine of many a classic GM performance vehicle. The Q-Jet is a very capable but often misunderstood carb. This book, How to Rebuild and Modify Rochester Quadrajet Carburetors, seeks to lift the veil of mystery surrounding the Q-Jet and show owners how to tune and modify their carbs for maximum performance. The book will be a complete guide to selecting, rebuilding, and modifying the Q-Jet, aimed at both muscle car restorers and racers. The book includes a history of the Q-Jet, an explanation of how the carb works, a guide to selecting and finding the right carb, instructions on how to rebuild the carb, and extensive descriptions of high-performance modifications that will help anyone with a Q-Jet carb crush the competition.




Classic Engines, Modern Fuel


Book Description

Describes, in plain English, the findings of a research programme into modern petrol/gasoline and its effects on classic engines. The book includes practical descriptions of how a spark-ignition engine works, and how it can be tuned to avoid common problems.




The Hype About Hydrogen


Book Description

Lately it has become a matter of conventional wisdom that hydrogen will solve many of our energy and environmental problems. Nearly everyone -- environmentalists, mainstream media commentators, industry analysts, General Motors, and even President Bush -- seems to expect emission-free hydrogen fuel cells to ride to the rescue in a matter of years, or at most a decade or two. Not so fast, says Joseph Romm. In The Hype about Hydrogen, he explains why hydrogen isn't the quick technological fix it's cracked up to be, and why cheering for fuel cells to sweep the market is not a viable strategy for combating climate change. Buildings and factories powered by fuel cells may indeed become common after 2010, Joseph Romm argues, but when it comes to transportation, the biggest source of greenhouse-gas emissions, hydrogen is unlikely to have a significant impact before 2050. The Hype about Hydrogen offers a hype-free explanation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, takes a hard look at the practical difficulties of transitioning to a hydrogen economy, and reveals why, given increasingly strong evidence of the gravity of climate change, neither government policy nor business investment should be based on the belief that hydrogen cars will have meaningful commercial success in the near or medium term. Romm, who helped run the federal government's program on hydrogen and fuel cells during the Clinton administration, provides a provocative primer on the politics, business, and technology of hydrogen and climate protection.




Transitions to Alternative Vehicles and Fuels


Book Description

For a century, almost all light-duty vehicles (LDVs) have been powered by internal combustion engines operating on petroleum fuels. Energy security concerns about petroleum imports and the effect of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on global climate are driving interest in alternatives. Transitions to Alternative Vehicles and Fuels assesses the potential for reducing petroleum consumption and GHG emissions by 80 percent across the U.S. LDV fleet by 2050, relative to 2005. This report examines the current capability and estimated future performance and costs for each vehicle type and non-petroleum-based fuel technology as options that could significantly contribute to these goals. By analyzing scenarios that combine various fuel and vehicle pathways, the report also identifies barriers to implementation of these technologies and suggests policies to achieve the desired reductions. Several scenarios are promising, but strong, and effective policies such as research and development, subsidies, energy taxes, or regulations will be necessary to overcome barriers, such as cost and consumer choice.




How and Why


Book Description

“I dream of a better world,” writes zinester and How and Why author Matte Resist in the intro to his new book. He continues, “To me, DIY culture is about grabbing a little piece of that dream.” What follows over the course of the next 176 pages is Matte doing what all dreamers must do: waking up from his dream, opening his eyes, and confronting what roadblocks and hurdles lie between him and his goal. Matte does this by laying down chapter upon chapter of blueprints for a better world. A sequel to our do-it-yourself handbook Making Stuff and Doing Things, How and Why gives us detailed, engaging, easy-to-use info on bicycles, home and garage, gardening, educating children, musical instruments, and the all-inclusive “everything else” section. If you dream of taking back your life and building a better world, How and Why might be your new best friend.