(Solar energy) Biofuel for Everyone: Will It Solve the Energy Crisis?
No commentsBy gary Patterson
We need only read the front page headlines of every major newspaper to understand the deepening oil crisis and the worldwide repercussions of supply and demand as it relates to our traditional energy resources. Is it any wonder that renewable sources of energy are gaining in popularity as an alternative resource? Biofuel is one emerging energy source that may help address the supply-and-demand dilemma versus modern world overdependence on petroleum and petroleum-based applications. Furthermore, biofuel advocates stress that biofuels give off cleaner emissions of carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide, two greenhouse gases that are responsible for climactic change and global warming.
The Difference Between Biofuel and Fossil Fuel
The critical difference between biofuel and traditional fossil fuel is the number of years it takes to form. Biofuel is derived from recently dead biological or organic material. Traditional fossil fuel comes from long dead (read: millions of years old) biological organisms. For this reason, biofuel is considered a renewable resource because it can be replenished in a short period of time. Fossil fuel is classified as a non-renewable resource because its reserves are being depleted much faster than it takes to form new reserves.
While biofuel and fossil fuel are carbon-based properties (they both derive from biological matter) biofuel is considered carbon neutral because the energy is derived from plants, which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Whereas, fossil fuels released carbon dioxide, which has been stored beneath the earth surface for millions of years, into the air. Carbon dioxide emissions are the number one pollutant.
Biofuel comes from a variety of feedstock sources, of which the more common ones are corn, sugar cane, palm, wheat, algae, and jatropha. From these feedstock sources, two popular fuels are produced for transportation and machineries. They are biodiesel and bioethanol. Broken down further, biodiesel is derived from plant oils; bioethanol is derived from fermented starch or sugar crops.
How Are Biofulels Used?
Biofuels can be used in a pure (denoted as B100) or a blended form (denoted as a percentage). Biofuel is the most common fuel used in Europe because European car manufacturers outfit their cars with diesel engines. For most unmodified diesel engines, advocates say blends of up to 20% (B20) are deemed safe. Higher concentrations require modifications to the diesel engine.
Bioethanol is suggested as a substitute for gasoline in vehicles. However, users have to be careful in choosing the proper blend of ethanol. Generally, a 10% blend of ethanol (E10) may be safe to be used in newer cars. Lower concentrations have been used in some older engines without having adverse effects on vehicle fuel lines, but users should consult their car manufacturers to find out if bioethanol is safe for their engines. In some cases, conversions can void the manufacturer warranty.
Proponents Say
Advocates suggest businesses, especially those in the transportation industry will benefit from using biofuels on two fronts: (1) When biofuel prices are more stable than oil prices, companies are in a better position to plan and budget fuel expenditures for the year. (2) Cleaner vehicular emissions may save transportation companies maintenance costs, while helping them meet new government mandated environmental standards.
Opponents Say
Opponents question how governments establish standards, regulations, and mandates and suggest that the underlying motivation for setting certain standards and enforcing mandates is political.
In other words, opponents contend that politicians are showing preferential treatment to their constituents and lobbyists. The end result is that governments, not the economy, are creating winners and losers. If your company or industry falls on the out of political favor side, you may wind up paying higher taxes or incurring higher costs to meet those politically inspired mandates
Car Manufacturer Status
Car manufactures today are being forced to produce more vehicles that are biofuel ready. In addition to using cheaper fuel, both manufacturers and buyers will be given government incentives (in the form of tax credits) to embrace renewable and alternative energy. Studies also suggest that certain types of biofuel (e.g., biodiesel) can make engines last longer when users maintain their cars by using the right biofuel blend.
The Food vs. Fuel Debate
Biofuel does have an underside and has been the subject of a current debate on food vs. fuel. Since biofuel uses plants that are also used in food supply (corn, maize, wheat, sugar cane, and coconut), this raises the question of whether it is appropriate to use food crops to create alternative fuel instead of filling world food demand. The debate has been further intensified as the world experienced what was deemed as a food crisis in 2007. Critics contend that using agricultural land to produce crops to be used in biofuel production led to this crisis.
These issues must be ironed out by policymakers and regulatory bodies to ensure a workable balance between access to energy and all other necessities.
Proponents and opponents come together around environmental and health benefits of going green. Thus the conversion to more biofuels is probably inevitable. Some are very concerned with how that is executed, since the timing of the changes is not clear. Also total direct and indirect costs and what groups benefit and which groups suffer are major concerns. With Congressional leadership dedicated to accelerating greener energy in a way that benefits their constituents and lobbyists (For example, why do tax deductions for trial attorneys help the general public?), there will definitely be winners and losers.
What the biofuels discussion is pointing to is the urgency to begin planning NOW for this inevitability to help protect industries and consumers from rising costs from energy, regulations and taxes.
Bottom line? - Apply this information to improve your profitability, reengineer business models, and strengthen or gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. And apply the free Fiscal Test at http://fiscaldoctor.com/fiscaltest.html.
From Gary W Patterson, www.FiscalDoctor.com Copyright 2008
1298 Hosea L Williams-The Future of Atlanta Real Estate
By Roberto Garabelli
1298 Hosea L. Williams - The future of Atlanta real estate
Indulge in one of intown’s finest new construction contemporaries! This spectacular neo-urban design boasts all the comforts and conveniences that you come to expect from one of Atlanta’s premier contemporary-chic designers, Urban-Dwell. No detail has gone unnoticed, from the floating contemporary gas fireplaces, to the commercial super large solarplex store front windows that let the light pour in, to the radiant heat bathroom floorsonly to name a few. The developer has made every effort to accommodate a demanding buyer and this home. Fit and finish are a step above, and this brand new construction really shines!
This premier home is showcased on Kirkwoods energized and visible Hosea L. Williams Drive, boasts of four ample-sized chambers, three lavish water closets featuring floor-to-ceiling Hakatai glass mosaic tile, as well as endless energy-efficient and advanced systems. Icynene insulation, paperless sheetrock, and Rinnai tankless water heaters lend to its conscious design concept. Its well-appointed, distinctive finishes and rich, textured materials make this home unique and inspiring. UDD will be the first to bring both environmentally-friendly Eco-Cem and Coco Palm flooring to the Atlanta market. Partnering with these specific vendors to create branding momentum, they will receive top billing in our press releases, website, trade publication submissions, outdoor signage, and descriptive literature for guests to take with them.
The master’s retreat is an ideal owner’s paradise! Soak in the ecocem-tiled, 6′ soaking tub, or unwind on the European balcony with a book and a glass of wine. Plenty of closet space abounds and the laundry room is located on the second floor convenient to all the living quarters.
Some mechanical highlights of this home include high efficiency closed cell insulation, three filter high efficiency HVAC system, tankless hot water heaters, and sound proofing. This one-of-a-kind, designer contemporary is virtually maintenance free and solid to the core. Oversized, simple spaces tailored to form and function are key in this home!
Understanding environmental and geographical needs for salvaging the traditional design, as well as the emerging appreciation for diverse architectural influence in the citys footprint. With a unique vision to impart throughout the metropolitan areas traditional Craftsman bungalows and American Foursquares, our team acutely focuses on thoughtful architectural programming, inventive technology, and integrated design to ensure aesthetically pleasing and highly functional results
The architecture in this home is a work of art. A home like this is for those who appreciate the amazing qualities of green living and are ready to set the bar for new construction homes in the 21st century.
For more information on Modern Atlanta Real Estate, Modern Atlanta Homes or Modern Atlanta Lofts please visit DwellAtlana.Com
How to Enhance Engine Power
By Gaetane Ross
Many of us would like to enhance engine power. Car performance is important for numerous reasons. First of all, if a vehicle has high performance power it is likely to run quite a bit smoother than vehicles that do not have a high level of performance. The engine that is high powered also can get you where you need to go at a faster pace. If you enhance engine power, the life of your engine will be longer. Last, but not least, you can save money on fuel if you elect to optimize your engine. Here, I will provide a few steps that will help you enhance engine power in your automobile.
1. Controlling the amount of fuel that flows through your engine is a critical aspect that should be considered when it comes to enhancing the overall power of your engine. There are many ways to optimize the fuel system. You can replace the sensors, and even do something has simple as installing a new fuel filter. Now, there is a new technology that focuses on using water for gas. If you install one of these simple solutions on your vehicle, the entire fuel system will be enhanced. As a result, the engine will be optimized too!
2. If you want to enhance your engine, you should consider the areas of the vehicle that have to have air flow. It is important to ensure that the air that is required can pass through these areas effectively, and that carbon buildup and accumulation of other types of debris are not standing in the way. These areas include the intake, cylinder head, and the exhaust system. I recently discovered that on top of making sure with the physical eye that these areas are clear from debris that the water for gas fuel systems I mentioned before actually reduce and break down the chemicals that clog up the air flow areas!
3. The next way to enhance engine power is to be sure that your vehicle is maintained on a regular basis. This means that all of those spark plug and spark plug wires, oil, oil filter, fuel filters, and fluids need to be changed on a regular basis. If you do this, you will see that the vehicle really packs a punch on the roads!
There are many different ways that you can enhance engine power. If you consider the previous mentioned components of the engine, and adhere to the steps mentioned to optimize power, you will find that it is quite easy to enhance engine power!
I am FED UP with gas prices! Aren’t you? If you want to Beat Insane Fuel Prices and Save a Ton of Money on Gas, I have the SOLUTION. Please visit my website at :
http://waterforgaslive.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 31st, 2008 at 6:05 pm and is filed under energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.