Fossil Fuels, Primary Electricity, and Renewables

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaclav Smil
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Coal Extraction ◽  
Metallurgical Coke ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Prime Movers ◽  
Technical Innovations ◽  
And Diffusion ◽  
Per Capita Consumption

This chapter discusses the evolution in uses of fossil fuels, primary electricity, and renewable energy. It first considers the transition from phytomass fuels to fossil fuels and how it resulted in the substantial increase in per capita consumption of energy. It then explores the beginnings and diffusion of coal extraction, the replacement of charcoal by metallurgical coke, and the introduction of steam engines and oil and internal combustion engines. It also looks at technical innovations brought by the transition from phytomass fuels to fossil fuels and from animate to mechanical prime movers, focusing on trends in the production of coal, hydrocarbons, and electricity as well as renewable energy and the use of prime movers in transportation.

scholarly journals Integration of Seawater Pumped-Storage in the Energy System of the Island of São Miguel (Azores)

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos Ioakimidis ◽  
Konstantinos Genikomsakis
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Azores Archipelago ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Pumped Storage

This paper considers the case of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago as a typical example of an isolated island with high renewable energy potential, but low baseload levels, lack of energy storage facilities, and dependence on fossil fuels that incurs high import costs. Using the Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES), a number of scenarios are examined in order to analyze and assess the potential benefits from the implementation of a seawater pumped-storage (SPS) system, in the absence or presence of electric drive vehicles (EDVs) under a grid-to-vehicle (G2V) approach. The results obtained show that the proposed solution increases the penetration of renewable energy in the system, thus reducing the dependence on fossil fuel imports and allowing, at the same time, for the deployment of EDVs as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines.

scholarly journals Enhancing the Efficiency of Gasoline Engines using Solar Powered Supercharger

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1980-1983
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Exhaust Gas ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Gasoline Engines ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
Solar Powered

The world presently depends heavily on nonrenewable sources of energy like crude oils. These conventional energy sources have certain limitations, that is, they will eventually run out, fuel prices can rise without warning and most importantly growing environmental concerns over the climate change associated with the release of CO2 on burning fossil fuels[1]. Renewable energy is the key to a clean energy future. In the last few decades, solar energy is the fastest growing renewable energy source[2]. We can harness this energy of the sun in increasing the efficiency of our automobiles. Forced induction system (supercharger and turbocharger) in automobiles helps in the improvement of the efficiency of internal combustion engines by pushing extra atmospheric air into the cylinder which results in the proper combustion of fuel and thus reducing the smoke from the exhaust gas. Conventional Supercharger draws power from the engine and though the overall mechanical efficiency is increased but some energy is lost in powering the supercharger. The main purpose of this paper is to develop a solar-powered supercharger which will not consume extra power from the engine and thus increase the overall efficiency of the engine along with a reduction in CO2 emission.

Rethinking Energy at the Crossroads

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Estimates ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Fuel Prices ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

The discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in 1859 was a relatively inconspicuous precursor to what would become an epic shift into the modern age of energy. At the time, the search for “rock oil” was driven by a perception that lighting fuel was running out. Advances in petrochemical refining and internal combustion engines had yet to occur, and oil was more expensive than coal. In less than 100 years, oil gained worldwide prominence as an energy source and traded commodity. Along similar lines, electricity in the early 1900s powered less than 10% of the homes in the United States. Yet, in under a half a century, billions of homes around the world were equipped to utilize the refined form of energy. Estimates indicate that roughly 85% of the world’s population had access to electricity in 2014 (World Bank, n.d.b). For both petroleum and electricity, significant changes in energy use and associated technologies were closely linked to evolutions in infrastructure, institutions, investment, and practices. Today, countless decision-makers are focusing on transforming energy systems from fossil fuels to low carbon energy which is widely deemed to be a cleaner, more sustainable form of energy. As of 2016, 176 countries have renewable energy targets in place, compared to 43 in 2005 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century [REN21], 2017). Many jurisdictions are also setting increasingly ambitious targets for 100% renewable energy or electricity (Bloomberg New Energy Finance [BNEF], 2016). In 2015, the G7 and G20 committed to accelerate the provision of access to renewables and efficiency (REN21, 2016). In conjunction with all of the above priorities, clean energy investment surged in 2015 to a new record of $329 billion, despite low, fossil fuel prices. A significant “decoupling” of economic and carbon dioxide (CO2) growth was also evident, due in part to China’s increased use of renewable energy and efforts by member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to foster greater use of renewables and efficiency (REN21, 2016).

Energies

2021 ◽  
pp. 114-151
Author(s):  
Vaclav Smil
Keyword(s):  
Energy Supply ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Internal Combustion ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Human Labor ◽  
Traditional Societies ◽  
Prime Movers ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Entire Economy

Traditional societies depended on biofuels and animate power from draft animals and human labor. The energy transition reduced biomass fuels to a globally marginal role, as fossil fuel extraction and electricity generation provided abundant and affordable energy. Consequences of this supply were magnified by conversions of fuels and electricity in new prime movers (first steam engines, and then internal combustion engines, electric lights, and motors). Indeed, they have nearly eliminated animate power, resulting in mechanization of agriculture and industrial production, in the rise of mass mobility, and in the deployment of electronic devices throughout the entire economy. Higher average per capita energy supply has been even more impressive when steady gains in conversion efficiency, and the resulting declines of energy intensities of products and services, are taken into account.

scholarly journals The Impact of Powering an Engine with Fuels from Renewable Energy Sources including its Software Modification on a Drive Unit Performance Parameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 6585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markiewicz ◽  
Muślewski
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Combustion Engine ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Internal Combustion ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Exhaust Emission ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
The Impact

The application of fuels from renewable energy sources for combustion engine powering involves a great demand for this kind of energy while its production infrastructure remains underdeveloped. The use of this kind of fuel is supposed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and the depletion of natural resources and to increase the share of renewable energy sources in total energy consumption and thus support sustainable development in Europe. This study presents the results of research on selected performance parameters of transport by internal combustion engines including: power, torque, the emission of sound generated by the engine, the content of exhaust components (oxygen O2, carbon monoxide CO, carbon dioxide CO2, nitrogen dioxide NO2), and the content of particulate matter (PM) in exhaust emission. Three self-ignition engines were tested. The fuel injection controllers of the tested internal combustion engines were additionally adjusted by increasing the fuel dose and the load of air. The material used in the tests were mixtures of diesel oil and fatty acid methyl esters of different concentration. A statistical analysis was performed based of the results. The purpose of the work was to develop a resulting model for assessing the operation of engines fueled with biofuel and diesel mixtures while changing the vehicle's computer software. A computer simulation algorithm was also developed for the needs of the tests which was used to prognose the state of the test results for variable input parameters.

Experimental Studies on the Performance of C.I Engine with Fish Oil Methyl Ester as Fuel for Various Blends of Diesel and LPG

2015 ◽  
Vol 787 ◽  
pp. 687-691
Author(s):  
Tarigonda Hari Prasad ◽  
R. Meenakshi Reddy ◽  
P. Mallikarjuna Rao
Keyword(s):  
Diesel Engine ◽  
Diesel Fuel ◽  
Alternative Fuels ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Internal Combustion ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Inlet Manifold

Fossil fuels are exhausting quickly because of incremental utilization rate due to increase population and essential comforts on par with civilization. In this connection, the conventional fuels especially petrol and diesel for internal combustion engines, are getting exhausted at an alarming rate. In order to plan for survival of technology in future it is necessary to plan for alternate fuels. Further, these fossil fuels cause serious environmental problems as they release toxic gases into the atmosphere at high temperatures and concentrations. The predicted global energy consumption is increasing at faster rate. In view of this and many other related issues, these fuels will have to be replaced completely or partially by less harmful alternative, eco-friendly and renewable source fuels for the internal combustion engines. Hence, throughout the world, lot of research work is in progress pertaining to suitability and feasibility of alternative fuels. Biodiesel is one of the promising sources of energy to mitigate both the serious problems of the society viz., depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution. In the present work, experiments are carried out on a Single cylinder diesel engine which is commonly used in agricultural sector. Experiments are conducted by fuelling the diesel engine with bio-diesel with LPG through inlet manifold. The engine is properly modified to operate under dual fuel operation using LPG through inlet manifold as fuel along FME as ignition source. The brake thermal efficiency of FME with LPG (2LPM) blend is increased at an average of 5% when compared to the pure diesel fuel. HC emissions of FME with LPG (2LPM) blend are reduced by about at an average of 21% when compared to the pure diesel fuel. CO emissions of FME with LPG (2LPM) blends are reduced at an average of 33.6% when compared to the pure diesel fuel. NOx emissions of FME with LPG (2LPM) blend are reduced at an average of 4.4% when compared to the pure diesel fuel. Smoke opacity of FME with LPG (2LPM) blend is reduced at an average of 10% when compared to the pure diesel fuel.

scholarly journals The Study Influences the Jatropha-Diesel Mixing Ratio to the Formation of Soot Emissions in Diesel Exhaust Gases

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (8) ◽  
pp. 80-84
Author(s):  
Van Quy Nguyen ◽  
Huu Cuong Le
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Fuels ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Fuel Mixture ◽  
Internal Combustion ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Mixing Ratio ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Jatropha Seeds

To cope with the depletion of fossil fuels and the threat of exhaust pollution from internal combustion engines, research finds alternative fuels. Step by step to completely replace fossil fuels that will be exhausted in the future and environmentally friendly due to internal combustion engines is an urgent and important issue. Diversify fuel sources used for internal combustion engines and environmentally friendly when using Jatropha - Diesel fuel mixture. The paper focuses on studying the ability to use biodiesel derived from Jatropha seeds with the volume ratios of 5%, 10% and 15% on experimental engines. Thereby, it will analyze and evaluate the technical features and pollution levels of engines compared to pure fuels. Experimental study assessing the effect of Jatropha - Diesel mixing ratio on the emission formation compared with emissions in Vikyno EV2600 engines.

Energy, Technology, and (Possibly) the Nature of the Next World Economy Upswing

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Thompson ◽  
Leila Zakhirova
Keyword(s):  
World Economy ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Energy Technology ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
The World ◽  
World Economic

In the last several upswings of the world economy, core innovations paired new engines with new fuels: steam engines with coal, internal combustion engines with petroleum, and numerous electricity-driven applications with fossil fuels. In each instance, the new fuels initially were inexpensive, abundant, and incredibly powerful but also damaging to the climate and environment. Now we need to develop engines that can run using decarbonized fuels to minimize CO2 emissions. In this chapter we shift our focus to the implications of carbon-based energy sources, system leadership, and climate change. We first review the evidence for a strong relationship between global warming and fossil fuels and then consider what might be done to forestall the consequences of such a relationship.We then relate macro-level fluctuations in world economic growth to policy responses focusing largely on electricity and transportation.

Hydrogen: the future energy carrier

2010 ◽  
Vol 368 (1923) ◽  
pp. 3329-3342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Züttel ◽  
Arndt Remhof ◽  
Andreas Borgschulte ◽  
Oliver Friedrichs
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Major Change ◽  
First Century ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Energy Economy

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century the limitations of the fossil age with regard to the continuing growth of energy demand, the peaking mining rate of oil, the growing impact of CO 2 emissions on the environment and the dependency of the economy in the industrialized world on the availability of fossil fuels became very obvious. A major change in the energy economy from fossil energy carriers to renewable energy fluxes is necessary. The main challenge is to efficiently convert renewable energy into electricity and the storage of electricity or the production of a synthetic fuel. Hydrogen is produced from water by electricity through an electrolyser. The storage of hydrogen in its molecular or atomic form is a materials challenge. Some hydrides are known to exhibit a hydrogen density comparable to oil; however, these hydrides require a sophisticated storage system. The system energy density is significantly smaller than the energy density of fossil fuels. An interesting alternative to the direct storage of hydrogen are synthetic hydrocarbons produced from hydrogen and CO 2 extracted from the atmosphere. They are CO 2 neutral and stored like fossil fuels. Conventional combustion engines and turbines can be used in order to convert the stored energy into work and heat.

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