Posts Tagged ‘global warming’

The United States is the country that leads all others in the use of fossil fuels.  Fossil fuels are those that are formed in the ground over a period of millions of years from dead plants and animals.  Oil, natural gas, and coal are fossil fuels and we use a lot of them!

Fossil fuel use by humans is the largest source of emissions of carbon dioxide which is one of the greenhouse gases that allows radiative forcing and contributes to global warming.  When you burn fossil fuels, they let out a large amount of carbon dioxide.  The atmospheric concentration of CO2, a greenhouse gas, is increasing.  This raises concerns that solar heat will be trapped and the average surface temperature of the Earth will rise in response.

We use fossil fuels to power our vehicles, heat and cool our houses, and generate electricity.  As we said, it takes millions of years to form certain fossil fuels and over-use of them has resulted in a concern that we will soon deplete our supply.  Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy, so once they are used up, they are gone.

In the United States, we use about twelve barrels of oil – the most valuable fossil fuel -   per person per year.  That is why we are so dependent on foreign oil to meet our energy needs.  While the United States does have its own supply of oil, it doesn’t compare to what the Middle East has to offer.  So in order to meet the demand, we have to increase the supply.  Pretty much the only way to do that is to buy it from other countries – usually places like Venezuela or Saudi Arabia.

The increased levels of fossil fuel use in this country has given birth to the green movement urging people to start exploring alternative forms of energy to avoid depleting our fossil fuel supplies completely.  But a bigger reason is because the greenhouse gas emissions are causing global warming that can have a huge effect on the lives of people all over the world – not just in the United States.

If we can reduce our use of fossil fuels and start looking at alternate sources of energy, we not only improve the quality of the environment, but we also reduce our dependence on other countries for our energy resources.  The phrase “American Made” has always meant something in the U.S., but when it comes to decreasing our fossil fuel use and becoming self-sufficient with alternative fuels, it can mean so much more!

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When it comes to one of the newest developments in the vehicle industry – electric cars – the facts about them are plentiful and easy to come by.  This new alternative to regular gasoline powered cars has many people very excited about being able to have reliable transportation without damaging the environment.  So what are the facts about electric cars?

First, there are many types of electric cars you can choose from, but all of them use an electric motor that runs on batteries that you recharge.  The more batteries you have, the longer you can drive your car.  Electric cars come in all different sizes and performances.  They are aerodynamically more efficient than gasoline powered cars because electricity stored chemically is lighter than electricity stored electrically.

Another very advantageous fact about electric cars is that they emit virtually no greenhouse gases into the air and thus run much, much cleaner than many other vehicles.  Greenhouse gases contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer that has led to global warming.  Electric cars that run on batteries alone produce no pollution at all and thus are very environmentally friendly.

How far can you drive on an electric car’s charge?  The amazing fact is that electric cars can usually travel for about one to three hundred miles, depending on the model, before needing a charge.  The batteries generally need charged overnight and there is a gauge that can tell you how much power you have left.  They are perfectly fine for city driving and those who don’t have to go long distances on a regular basis.

This next fact about electric cars may amaze you – I know it did me!  Some people believe that an electric car can’t go very fast.  But the fact is that electric cars have been clocked at over one hundred miles per hour and can go from zero to that in less than nine seconds!  This is because electric motors have a very high torque which allows them to accelerate quickly and travel faster.

There are many more facts to be found out about electric cars such as their price, their range, their availability, and their benefits.  Finding out these facts is easy.  If you are thinking about buying an electric car, do your research and find one that fits your lifestyle.  Most car companies produce at least a hybrid type of electric car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, but you can also find total electric cars if you know where to look.  Just get the facts and then get on the electric car bandwagon.  You may just find out you like it there!

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There are several types of fuel cells that have been developed with emerging technologies in the alternative fuel industry.  Fuel cells convert energy like hydrogen into electricity providing a cleaner burning fuel that emits no pollution into the air.  Fuel cell technologies have proven to be life-changing for many people – and the world as well.  With the development of a part that can power a car with little to no emissions will help the environment and reduce global warming.

A polymer exchange membrane fuel cell was developed through technologies that are endorsed by the Department of Energy.  The DOE is focusing on the PEMFC as the most likely candidate for transportation applications.  This type of fuel cell has a higher power density and a relatively low operating temperature (140 – 176 degrees Fahrenheit.  The low operating temperature of this fuel cell means that it doesn’t take very long for the fuel cell to warm up and begin generating electricity.

Most of the fuel cell technologies being explored today are based on using hydrogen as the main fuel source.  With the PEMFC, that is the case.  It is the most prominent type of fuel cell that is currently being looked at to be used in alternative fuel vehicles.

There is also a direct methanol fuel cell that compares with the PEMFC as far as its operating temperature.  However, these fuel cells aren’t as efficient.  Another disadvantage to this fuel cell is that it requires a large amount of platinum to act as a catalyst.  That alone makes it very expensive to run.  We’re sure, however, that emerging technologies in the fuel cell market will improve on this and make it more cost efficient for the average consumer.

One problem with fuel cells that technology has yet to solve is that they are expensive to make.  Many of the components of a fuel cell are expensive thus making the whole fuel cell costly.  In order to be competitively priced (compared to gasoline-powered vehicles), fuel cell systems must cost $35 per kilowatt. Currently, the projected high-volume production price is $110 per kilowatt.

Another problem with fuel cell technologies is that they have yet to be converted enough to allow them to operate in various weather conditions.  The membranes must by hydrated in order to transfer hydrogen protons.  Therefore, researches must find a way to develop fuel cell systems that can continue to operate in sub-zero temperatures, low humidity environments and high operating temperatures. At around 80 degrees Celsius, hydration is lost without a high-pressure hydration system.

Fuel cell technologies are emerging and becoming more and more in-depth every day.  Before long, we’ll have a great alternative to the gasoline powered car just with these tiny fuel cells.

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