Political Ecology

Battery-powered electric cars (BEVs) play a key role in future mobility scenarios. However, little is known about the environmental impacts of the production, use and disposal of the lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. This makes it difficult to compare the environmental impacts of BEVs with those of internal combustion engine cars (ICEVs). Consequently, a detailed lifecycle [...]

Emission problems associated with the use of fossil fuels have led to numerous research works on the use of renewable fuels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of blends containing croton oil (CRO), 1-butanol (BU), and diesel (D2) on the engine performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. Samples investigated were 20% CRO−80% [...]

Present work deals with the development of butanol−diesel−biodiesel blends to substitute for petrodiesel. These blends were tested for physical stability and various fuel properties conforming to ASTM standards. Subsequently engine performance and emission tests were conducted with each blend. Observations revealed the blends to be thermally and physically stable, and they showed good resemblance to [...]

This paper, which is the first part of a series of papers, introduces a hybrid coal, biomass, and natural gas to liquids (CBGTL) process that can produce transportation fuels in ratios consistent with current U.S. transportation fuel demands. Using the principles of the H2Car process, an almost-100% feedstock carbon conversion is attained using hydrogen produced [...]

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, says a new report by the National Research Council.  The technologies would also increase vehicle purchase costs for consumers, sometimes by as much as several thousand dollars…. Using [...]

The technology, called hydraulic launch assist, is different from the electric hybrid technology currently used on some passenger cars and buses. Those systems use an electric-motor generator, along with batteries, to store energy that would otherwise be wasted–for example, the energy that dissipates during braking.The hydraulic system uses a pump motor and a tank, called [...]

To recharge a vehicle’s battery using the system, the vehicle parks at a Plugless Power station over a floor-mounted parking block, which automatically aligns itself with a special adapter fitted to the vehicle and begins charging. There is no flow of electricity between the vehicle and parking block and no plugs or cables.The system operates [...]