alternative fuels: propane / solar energy gage sheler 4 th hour chemistry
TRANSCRIPT
Alternative Fuels:Propane / Solar Energy
Gage Sheler
4th Hour Chemistry
Basic Facts
• Propane is a hydrocarbon consisting of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.
• Propane is created as a byproduct during the production and processing of natural gas, as well as during the refining process of petroleum.
• Propane is not a renewable resource.
• During combustion, propane forms water and carbon dioxide.
• Propane produces about 50MJ/kg
Benefits
• Although not as clean as natural gas, propane burns much cleaner than modern gasoline.
• If correctly harnessed as a vehicle fuel, propane burns cleaner and does less damage to the fuel engine of the car than gasoline.
• In less-developed countries, propane is quickly rising to market and replacing outdated fuel sources such as wood and coal.
• Propane is a byproduct of other energy sources, therefore it doesn’t take much to obtain.
Negative Effects
• Propane is not a renewable resource and can only be created as a byproduct.
• Using propane as a vehicle fuel harbors a potential risk of explosion. This is caused because propane is heavier than air, resulting in a pooling of propane, which could potentially reach a heat source and cause an explosion.
Final Verdict
In short, propane is a better fuel than gasoline because it is cleaner and more efficient. However, propane is also explosive and not as efficient as natural gas. I don’t think propane should be used as the go-to fuel, but I do think it could be used better than gasoline.
Basic Facts
• Solar Energy is the harnessing of the sun’s natural light and heat energy.
• Solar Energy can be converted to several different types of energy, such as heat energy for cooking and stored energy for transportation.
• The largest solar plant in the US is located in Boulder City, Nevada.
Benefits
• Solar energy is by far the most renewable energy source.
• Solar energy is also 100% clean.
• Solar energy can be converted in several different forms, making it a reliable fuel source for many human needs.
• Solar energy even has the potential to disinfect water.
Negative Effects
• Solar Energy must be stored, as direct solar energy is not available during the night or during other irregularities of the sun, such as thunderstorms.
• Solar Energy is difficult to harness into various forms of energy, to be used as an efficient vehicle fuel much more technology will have to be developed.
Final Verdict
Because of the fact that solar energy is by far the cleanest and most renewable energy source. It just requires a little bit of further exploration to be full developed enough for full use. I think solar energy could easily be used as the best fuel to replace gasoline.