Well-to-Wheels Total Energy and Fossil Energy Results

Well-to-Wheels
The combination of well-to-pump results and the energy use and emissions associated with vehicle operation (also called the pump-to-wheels stage) results in full well-to-wheels energy and emission results for vehicle/fuel systems. The energy efficiencies of 19 fuel pathways were presented in the preceding section. The well-to-wheels energy use and emissions results for 23 representative vehicle fuel systems, combined with some of the vehicle technology options are now considered. (more…)

Miniature and Microscale Heat Engines for Power Generation Propulsion

Many characteristics of traditional engines make them attractive for use in power generation and propulsion technology. They tend to be self-aspirating and rely on combustion, which at the macroscale is a very robust form of heat generation. Fuel is plentiful and inexpensive, with storage easily realized. The energy density of the fuel (or fuel plus container), when compared with electrochemical sources, is high. Along with these advantages come a number of drawbacks, especially where miniaturization is concerned. For example, an engine is thermodynamically restricted (by the Carnot efficiency) in its conversion of chemical energy to work due to the intermediate heat-generating step. (more…)

Energy Use, Emissions, and Environmental Impact

energy emissions environmental
The growth in air transportation volume has important global energy sustainable development
associated with the potential for greenhouse gases sources. On local to regional scales, noise, decreased air quality related primarily to ozone production and particulate levels, and other issues, such as roadway congestion related to airport services and local water quality, are all recognized as important impacts. (more…)