Alternative Fuel Solution: Bioalcohol

Alcohol As Fuel

Alcohol has been used throughout mankind's history as a fuel. There are four basic alcohols (Butanol, Ethanol, Methanol and Propanol) that are transformed biologically, meaning the alcohol was generated by plants and living things versus a non-biological source such as petroleum. All these alcohols have energy density described in terms of octane. There are advantages and disadvantages for using each as an alternative fuel sources.

Bio alcohols are in the development and research stages. Scientists are looking at ways to optimize crop output to get the optimum product. Researchers are investigating ways to increase crop yields, provide a higher tolerance to pesticides and have less reliance of fertilizers to help improve the feasibility of bio alcohols are fuels.

Methanol and Ethanol

Both of these alcohols can be derived from fossil fuels and biomass. Ethanol is produced via fermentation and methanol from synthesis gas. Both have there advantages and disadvantages as an alternative fuel energy sources.

They both have a higher octane rating as compared with gasoline and are already being used across the country. The disadvantages are because of their chemical properties it cannot be transported in existing gas pipelines. Both are very corrosive caused by Halide ions chemically cause metal piting and they increase the conductivity of the fuel. One other disadvantage is that gallon-for-gallon Ethanol generates less energy that gasoline.

Propanol and Butanol

Propanol and Butanol are considerably less toxic and less volatile than methanol. Butanol has a high flashpoint of 35 °C, which is a great fire safety benefit but could cause problems starting engine on a cold morning.

Propanol and Butanol are made from cellulose in a tricky fermentation process. This process results in an extremely unpleasant smell that may limit the potential locations to house the fermentation plants. The advantages of using Propanol and Butanol as alternative fuel sources is they can be transferred via existing gas lines and have a better gallon-for-gallon energy efficiency when compared to gasoline.