Comparing Ethanol and Hydrogen as Alternatives to Oil

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SUMMARY

This discussion evaluates the feasibility of using ethanol versus hydrogen as alternatives to oil for internal combustion engines. Ethanol production, particularly from corn, faces criticism due to its high energy input compared to output, while Brazil successfully utilizes sugarcane for ethanol. Hydrogen, although more combustible, presents challenges in storage due to its weight and tank size, raising safety concerns. The conversation highlights the renewable nature of ethanol compared to the non-renewable option of coal, which is also mentioned as a potential fuel source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ethanol production methods, specifically from corn and sugarcane.
  • Knowledge of hydrogen storage technologies and safety protocols.
  • Familiarity with renewable versus non-renewable energy sources.
  • Awareness of the environmental impacts of fuel production.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the efficiency of ethanol production from sugarcane versus corn.
  • Explore advancements in hydrogen storage solutions and safety measures.
  • Investigate the environmental impact of coal as a fuel source.
  • Learn about the development of cellulosic ethanol and its potential benefits.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion benefits environmental scientists, energy policy makers, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in alternative fuels and their implications for sustainability.

deadhouse
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I was just wondering (with all the oil supposedly running out) how feasible is running our internal combusion engines on ethanol as apposed to say hydrogen? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Seeing as ethanol would require a massive increase in the amount of farmland for suger or corn to produce the fuel. Where as hydrogen is much much more combustible and it requires a much larger tank which takes up space and weighs more.
 
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there seems to be some debate if its even reasonable to make ethanol out of corn. I remember reading a article stating you use more fuel to produce ethanol from corn than you get back.

Brazil is pretty succsefull though in using sugar canes to produce ethanol.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel_in_Brazil

and this might be worth a short I guess?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulosic_ethanol

Allthought you didnt ask about it making fuel out of coal is always a (dirty)option considering the wast ammounts of coal in the world.
 
brazil seem to de very well on ethanol seeing as they have no natural oil resources and are not rich enough to import a lot of it.

using coal is fine but it's not renewable like ethanol can be.

hydrogen is fairly difficult to store and accidents would be bad if it got near a naked flame as I'm sure you know what would happen in that case.
 

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