EGEE 401
Energy in a Changing World

Introduction

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Unit 4: Transportation Fuel Use and Challenges – Lesson 9: Transportation Fuels: Alternatives

About Lesson 9

In this lesson, we will review alternatives to conventional gasoline- and diesel-fueled transportation. We will examine vehicles powered by biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel), electricity (hybrids, all electric and plug-in hybrids), hydrogen, propane, and natural gas.

What will we learn in Lesson 9?

With the successful completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • describe the difference between motors/engines that use different types of fuels;
  • discuss the relative merits of emerging transportation fuel technologies;
  • relate the consumption of transportation fuels to environmental impacts;
  • weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different vehicle alternatives.

What is due for Lesson 9?

The table below provides an overview of the requirements for Lesson 9. For details regarding the assignment, refer to the page(s) noted in the table.

Please refer to the Calendar in Canvas for specific time frames and due dates.

Lesson 9 Requirements
REQUIREMENT LOCATION SUBMITTED FOR GRADING?
Reading: (Biodiesel):
  • DOE "Energy Explained" (as designated)
  • fueleconomy.gov, "Biodiesel" vehicles
  • "Fuel Economy Guide" (as designated)

Page 2

No

Reading: (Ethanol):
  • DOE "Energy Explained" (as designated)
  • fueleconomy.gov, "Ethanol" (full page)
  • "Fuel Economy Guide" (as designated)
  • "Biofuels Might Hold Back Progress Combating Climate Change"
Page 3 No
Reading: (Electricity):
  • "How Hybrids Work" (and step through animation)
  • from fueleconomy.gov, "Hybrid Electric Vehicles"
  • from fueleconomy.gov, "Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles"
  • from fueleconomy.gov, "All Electric Vehicles"
  • "Fuel Economy Guide Model" (sections, as designated)
  • "Emissions from Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles" from the DOE
Page 4 No
Reading: (Hydrogen):
  • from fueleconomy.gov, "Fuel Cell Vehicles"
  • "Fuel Economy Guide" (as designated)
  • "Hydrogen Production Fact Sheet" from Department of Energy
  • View "Energy 101: Fuel Cell Technology" from Department of Energy
Page 5 No
Reading: (Natural Gas):
  • from Alternative Fuels.gov, "Natural Gas Vehicles"
  • "Fuel Economy Guide" (as designated)
Page 6 No
Lesson 9 Activity: Complete Lesson 9 Activity. (It's in Canvas, under Module 4.) Page 7 Yes
Unit 4 Discussion Forum: "Let's Go Shopping!" (It's in Canvas, under Module 4.) Page 8 Yes

Questions about EGEE 401?

If you have any questions, please post them to our Questions about EGEE 401? Discussion in Canvas. Use this Discussion Forum for general questions about course content and administration. I will check it daily to respond. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help out a classmate or have a related question.