A comparison of the viability of hydrogen fuel cells and gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine in terms of economics, environmental impact and safety.
Abstract This paper assesses the viability of the hydrogen fuel cell in comparison to the gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine both now and 100 years from now. The paper examines economics, environmental impact and safety. In particular, the paper discusses the economic comparison by looking at fuel costs, the cost of the vehicle and infrastructure costs. The environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the effect of those emissions on global warming are also discussed. Several figures are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Economics: Fuel Cost
Economics: Cost of Vehicle
Economics: Cost of Infrastructure
Environmental Impact
Safety
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Economics: Fuel Cost
Economics: Cost of Vehicle
Economics: Infrastructure Costs
Environmental Impact
Safety
Conclusions
From the Paper "With respect to vehicle cost, I was unable to get an accurate handle on the effect that the use of hydrogen fuel cells has on the price due to the fact that the purchase costs of the hydrogen vehicles clearly included development and infrastructure capital costs that have been extremely diluted for the diesel ICE bus. However, it can be said that the price of the fuel cell stacks is quite noticeable at $268/kW. For a standard 70 kW passenger car, this adds up to a cost of $18,760, which is very significant. 100 years from now, this is projected to have changed, as by 2020 the price of the fuel stacks is projected to have dropped to around $38/kW, corresponding to an engine cost of $2,660, which is much more reasonable. However, there are problems on the horizon with respect to the platinum reserves. If hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were to become the primary source of transportation for the entire world, the demand on the platinum reserves would exceed the supply. Fortunately, there has been progress with respect to the catalyst. QuantumSphere, Inc., as mentioned, developed a nanometal electrode formulation that drastically increases electrolysis efficiency, and considering that fuel cells are just the reverse of electrolysis, it is, in my opinion, very likely that we will manage a way to catalyze the reaction efficiently without the use of significant amounts of platinum."
Abstract This paper examines spontaneous human combustion, the claim that human beings from time to time burst into flame and are consumed, usually without much damage to their surroundings, as if the heat from the flame came from inside their bodies. It looks at various claims over the years and evaluates whether such cases are simply a matter of false observation and do have external causes or if they have internal causes and if so what are the mechanisms which cause this to happen? It looks at how scientists have pursued both avenues in some degree and how they are certain that these cases are misreported and misunderstood and are not spontaneous at all.
From the Paper "Cases that are believed to be spontaneous human combustion surface from time to time, such as the report from 1999 that the remains of Diarmuid Brosnan, a single man in his sixties, had been found in the village of Gneeveguilla, County Kerry, in Ireland. The body had been badly burned body when it was discovered in the living room, and the room itself was not itself badly damaged. Someone who saw the body stated, "It was most unusual in so far as there was very extensive damage to the center of the body but that's almost as far as it went" (Sieveking 21). A similar death had been reported the year before in Leytonstone High Road, east London, when the burnt body of a middle-aged woman was discovered in her first floor apartment."
This paper discusses firefighter fatalities and occupational exposure to hazardous materials or products of combustion that are not tracked or accounted for in statistics.
Abstract In this article, the writer disseminates the information found in a review of literature on firefighter fatalities, and then develops a research design for the collection and analysis of data relating to firefighter fatalities and, specifically, those related to exposure to toxic or combustible elements. This work seeks to positively identify causal factors that result in firefighter fatality, in the years following active-duty, caused by toxic exposure resulting in cancer or some other condition attributed to chemical or combustible toxins. The writer points out that the focus of this research is of the nature that may lend practicable measures of reducing the fatality deaths of firefighters through shielding the firefighters from being exposed to the toxic or combustible elements that cause death due to cancer and other like conditions.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Importance of the Study
Definitions & Terms
Organization of the Study
Review of the Literature
Figure 1,2,3,4
Methodology
Limitations of the Study
Data Collection & Analysis
Bibliography
From the Paper "The questions asked in this research will include the questions of: (1) How many deaths occur each year that are directly linked to exposure of the firefighter to some toxin that results in a health problem such as cancer? (2) How many firefighters have been fatalities in the last 10 years that were incorrectly labeled as a fatality? (3) What guidelines should be set out for future reliable statistics in firefighter fatality reports? And (4) What special precautions should be required under safety requirements in order to best protect firefighters from this type of exposure resulting in fatality?"
Abstract The paper discusses the technologies needed to produce personal automobiles that are less fossil fuel dependant. The paper analyzes the current research in alternative fuel vehicles, specifically addressing three types of vehicles; the electric car, the hybrid/electric/combustion car and lastly the combustion engine car. The paper touches upon the issue of pollution, as it is a significant impetus for creating alternative fuel vehicles. The paper presents the hypothesis that the electric vehicle is the best practical option for consumers.
Outline:
Introduction to Problem
Review of Literature
Research Design
Data Analysis
Summary
From the Paper "One of the most profound social questions of the modern day is the nature of the market addition on fossil fuel usage. Within the global economy the fossil fuel industry, and the worlds dependence on it has driven prices of fuel to enormous levels contributing to a global market situation where a very few hold a growing percentage of wealth and the rest must struggle to eek out an existence with what's left. "Today, more than half the world's population lives on less than $2 per day, and almost 1.1 billion people live in extreme poverty, defined as less than $1 per day." (Rice, 76) Though this may seem divergent of the topic at hand, which is global dependence on fossil fuel, the issues are interrelated."
Abstract In the form of a speech, this paper details the problems of smog, acid rain, and depletion of the ozone layer. The paper details major technology and regulations that have greatly reduced some of the pollution including, catalytic converters, alternative fuels, electrostatic precipitation, bag filtration, the Clean Air Act, fluidized bed combustion, and HCFCs. Discusses water problems, including lead and methyl mercury, and legislation like the Clean Water Act.
From the Paper "Dear Congresswomen and Congressmen, Our environment is a pressing issue in our society today. Due to societies' demand on governmental organizations to improve the condition of our environment, I am submitting to you today a 25-year program that will be effective in reducing pollution in the air and water. I urge you to look into the issues presented and make an informed decision that will help to improve the quality of our environment."
Abstract This paper explains that, to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, it is necessary to phase out the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) gasoline engine; however, for now, gasoline must continue to be a widely used fuel in order to keep the gasoline industry of America strong. The author points out that, as oil prices continue to rise, hybrid automobiles (gas engine with electric motors complimenting them) seem to be the near-term solution. The paper relates that the next viable solution to the pollution problem posed by ICE is hydrogen (H2) and fuel cell technology; a fuel cell combines H2 and oxygen to create power through the by-product of this chemical reaction without the pollution problem.
From the Paper "Another way to save fuel with out using new engine technology is described in Wald's work on pg.1-2, and was developed by the EPA. It uses current engines to pressurize a hydraulic tank to 5,00psi.. The built up pressure is then used to drive a turbine, which drives the wheels. Lab tests show a 60-70% gain in fuel efficiency. This technology is currently in use by John M. Hewitt of Memphis Tennessee. John is using a Chevy s-10 pickup engine (less than 100hp) to pressurize the tank and is getting better than 100mpg. Ford has said they are working with the EPA to make a SUV with this technology."
Abstract This paper discusses safety and risk posed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. It specifically focuses on the safety of these facilities in that they are highly visible and make easy targets for terrorist attacks. The paper also discusses the safety standards and technology associated with LNG, particularly following a catastrophic event in 1944 in Cleveland. It describes the environmental effects of a disaster, as well as symptoms of exposure in an LNG accident. The paper concludes with a long-term risk assessment of the future of LNG.
Table of Contents:
The Infrastructure
Risks Associated with Spills
Cold Hazards
Pool Fires
Vapor Clouds
"A Cleaner Alternative"
By-Products of Combustion Symptoms of Exposure in an LNG Accident
A Matter of Scale and Scope
Long Term Environmental Impact
Disaster Planning and Modeling
Evacuation
Contamination Control
Improving LNG Accident Response
How Real is the Risk?
Potential Scenario from an LNG Explosion in Boston Harbor
The Future of LNG Risk Assessment
From the Paper "Up until this point, only one real world scenario of an LNG accident existed and it was long ago before recent developments in technology and safety protocol. Other assessments, such as those made by FERC and industry professionals are largely theoretical. They leave too many variables to chance. To accurately assess the real dangers of LNG, there is a critical need for credible, scenario based research. This is the next phase in the research cycle concerning the safety of LNG. If we are to remove the issue from the political battleground, we need more research-based evidence. In the case of LNG, valid research can be difficult due to the nature of the material."
Abstract This paper explains that air pollution is caused by particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The author describes various methods of removing these pollutants from the air. The paper stresses that the government should take action by requiring factories and businesses to have a flare burner, a source for ionizing radiation, the ability to remove sulfur oxides and particulate matter from waste gases, and the ability to change their coal or oil combustions to natural gas combustion. The author concludes that, although it costs a lot of money to prevent air pollution, it may cost more to repair the damages from this pollution.
Table of Contents:
Problem
Solution
Action
Justification
From the Paper "The first thing people see, in the morning, when they walk outside is the sky or the colored sun. Is this world giving us the privilege of seeing the natural colors of the sun through all the layers of pollution within the air? Not only are beautiful sights such as this hidden behind the pollution this world causes everyday, but an increase in diseases, infections and death occurs. What causes pollution? What can we do to prevent it, and get rid of it? Is it fair to the children of the future to have to suffer the consequences that pollution causes? Why not take care of the problem now? Factory and business owners have the ability to prevent air pollution."
Abstract The paper shows that fuel cells offer tremendous promise and potential as an energy source. Among topics covered in this paper include: How fuel cells operate, why they are cleaner than a combustion powered engine and the research that is currently being conducted to advance this technology. The paper also lays out the roles the federal government, automakers, and oil companies are playing in investing in fuel technology. It also discusses the problems that need to be overcome in order for the use of fuel cells to meet their full potential as an energy source.
From the Paper "In summary once the fuel cell market begins to take off, the impact can snowball. Using hydrogen to combine such renewable energy sources with highly efficient fuel cell cars would impact many industries such as the automobile, oil, electricity and natural gas. Furthermore, an added benefit of fuel cell will be the elimination of carbon dioxide that are produced by gas powered engines, instead the only by product produced here would be water. In fact this water will be safe enough to drink because it will be pure. Research will continue to advance the potential of fuel cell as a dependable long term energy source."
Abstract This paper provides a complete overview of The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) - a federal agency that provides research and assistance on law enforcement issues to a wide variety of law enforcement and crime prevention units across the United States. The paper explains how this organization conducts research in different communities, through police departments and by other means in order to ascertain what crime problems a community may face and how that community can address those problems before they become too difficult to handle. The paper analyzes several of the guides which the NIJ puts out on all subjects and in all fields, such as "Crime, Criminal Justice and Criminology in Post-Soviet Ukraine", "Flammable and Combustible Liquid Spill/Burn Patterns" and "Early Warning Systems: Responding to the Problem Police Officer".
From the Paper "In order to assure that this search for and preservation of evidence is conducted in an effective manner, procedures have to be put in place so all personnel know what steps to follow and so everyone knows how the evidence has been preserved. This also helps preserve the chain of evidence that can be so important in court. Electronic evidence is latent evidence stored on a computer, and this makes it the same sort of evidence as fingerprints or DNA. It is also fragile because it can be altered or destroyed if it is not handled properly. This means that special precautions must be implemented to document, collect, preserve, and examine this kind of evidence, and the NIJ guide covers these topics to help protect the integrity of the evidence.
The guide emphasizes that this is all the more important because this kind of evidence poses special challenges to be admitted in court, and the procedures to protect the evidence for court are also covered."
Abstract Discusses benefits of ethanol as a renewable fuel & valuable resource. Fuel Cell technology. Internal combustion engine & exhaust problems of air pollution. Expansion of ethanol use. "Flex-fuel" vehicles. How fuel cells work. Effect on environment. Need to use ethanol as a fuel resource, not as a waste product.
From the Paper "Ethanol, once considered a hazardous waste product of many industrial processes is no longer viewed in that light. Now, it is a valuable resource, much sought after, particular in fuel cell technology (Ethanol as a renewable fuel, 2000). The internal combustion engine gains its energy from the heat released during the combustion of the non-reacted working fluids, the oxidizer-fuel mixer (Britannica, 2000). The process occurs within the engine, and is a part of the thermodynamic cycle of the device. Useful work generated by the internal combustion engine results from the hot, gaseous products of combustion acting on moving surfaces of the engine, such as the face of a piston, a turbine blade, or a nozzle.
The most common example of the internal combustion engine, the intermittent combustion engine, is characterized by periodic..."
Abstract This paper examines the impact of Tim Berners-Lee upon modern business. His invention, the World Wide Web, has contributed directly to the massive growth of the world economy and to the tectonic shift in the manner by which companies and individuals conduct business. It concludes that the future of the web is that it will remain as significant to business and society as any of the other great inventions such as the internal combustion engine and the telephone.
Abstract This paper begins with an introduction stating why fire prevention is necessary. It then discusses the different classes of fires and provides information on the source of combustion and ignition of each class of fire. Next, the paper describes the common causes of fires in the oil industry and provides facts and statistics that support these claims. The paper also takes a closer look at electrical problems, malfunctions, and lightning strikes that cause fires. Training programs, types of fire alarms, and extinguishing methods are also discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations on fire prevention.
Causes Of Fires In Industry
Training Program
Fire-Alarm System
Automatic Sprinklers
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Conclusions
Recommendations
From the Paper "Fire protection in the gas and oil industry is extremely important. However, at the economic level, fire protection costs money to design, install and maintain. In business it is an overhead expense that does not produce income. Money for fire protection is often hard to come by and money for maintenance is often one of the first areas where costs are cut. Companies seem to be willing to take a positive chance that fire will not strike, rather than take a positive step to provide fire protection and control. If companies are frugal to spend money on fire protection, they should consider the best fire protection that is needed for their company. Fire protection is usually provided for different reasons. The first is that fire protection is required by local codes. Local codes are considered the minimum requirements that a company must provide to protect the surrounding community (Ignall, 1975, p.89). However, even though the building must comply with local legislative requirements, such compliance does not mean that the facility is fire safe or that production can be resumed after a fire occurs. Generally the local codes only protect the community from the plant, and if a fire does occur and does not kill or harm anyone or spread to other properties, the code has considered being able to do its job."
Tags: extinguisher, fire, oil, prevention, sprinkler, system
This paper discusses Sarah Orne Jewett's short story, "A White Heron", which illustrates the conflict between human development and nature through the eyes of a nine-year old girl, Sylvia.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 40.95
Abstract This paper explains that the combination of environmentalist and spiritual qualities of "The White Heron" fit neatly into the Romantic and Transcendentalist genres of American literature. The author points out that "A White Heron", a story written in the late 19th century before the invention of the internal combustion engine, nuclear power plants, or toxic chemicals polluted the environment, predated the modern environmentalist movement. The paper relates that "A White Heron" also can be read as a coming-of-age story depicting the character development of its protagonist, Sylvia, who experiences budding sensations of womanhood during her encounters with the hunter.
From the Paper "Moreover, because the man offers her money in exchange for the heron, Sylvia is tempted with the trappings of the material world. Her inner conflict mirrors the overarching theme of the story that deals with the potentially antagonistic relationship between human civilization and the wilderness. Sylvia knows her grandmother is poor; they have little to offer the wanderer in terms of food and shelter so when he teases them with ten dollars, Sylvia and her grandmother naturally seem interested. However poor they are, however, they have sufficient means. Sylvia's choice reflects a mature decision based on the integrity of her principles and it reflects the romantic ideal of material simplicity."
Abstract This is a technical report on a laboratory experiment determining heating value of fuels. Test sample is naphthalene, and the calibrating substance is benzoic acid. The oxygen bomb calorimeter used is the Parr type.
From the Paper "The experiment aims to determine the heat of combustion of naphthalene using data obtained from the Parr bomb calorimeter.
Three 1-g portions of naphthalene were weighed using the analytical balance. Benzoic acid is the calibrating substance used for the experiment. The heat capacity Csys of the system is calculated using the theoretical value of benzoic acid and the nickel fuse wire. This Csys is equivalent to the heat capacity Ccal of the calorimeter; this value will be used in determining the heat of combustion of naphthalene.
The heat of combustion of naphthalene is accepted at
?5156.95 KJ/mol. The experimental value ?3787.445097 KJ/mol has an error of 26.56%."
