Articles tagged with Fossil Fuels
Researchers at NIST have detailed fundamental processes involved in extracting sugars from biomass, a crucial step in producing ethanol by fermentation. The study provides theoretical limits of reactions and energy needed to break down cellulose and hemicellulose, helping engineers design more efficient process designs.
A study suggests that eating less, especially junk foods, can reduce the US food system's energy consumption by 50 percent. Traditional farming methods, such as organic farming and reduced pesticide use, can also make a significant impact on energy efficiency.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that popular biofuel sources like corn-based ethanol may have negative environmental impacts. The authors recommend promoting sustainable alternatives such as switchgrass or algae-based fuels, and implementing policies to minimize land usage and energy consumption.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a strategy to capture, store and recycle carbon from vehicles, enabling the creation of zero emission cars. The technology involves an onboard fuel processor that separates hydrogen from carbon, allowing for the production of clean energy.
A new Nature Conservancy study finds that converting land for biofuel crops results in significant carbon emissions and worsening the problem of global warming. The study analyzed various benefits of using biofuels as alternatives to oil but found they fall short of the carbon losses, leading to a 'carbon debt'.
Assistant Professor Jeremy J. Michalek of Carnegie Mellon University has been awarded the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Award for his research on public policy and its impact on vehicle efficiency.
A new study by Zah et al. reveals striking differences in the environmental costs of different biofuels, with fuels from U.S. corn, Brazilian soy, and Malaysian palm oil found to be worse than fossil fuels. The best alternatives include biofuels from residual products.
Iowa State engineer Terry Meyer is developing high-speed laser-based sensors to capture images of combustion chambers at thousands of frames per second. These sensors record data on pollutants, fuel sprays, and energy release, aiming to reduce pollutant emissions and enable alternative fuels.
A new NASA study estimates that most US ground-level particulate pollution comes from regional sources within North America. The research found that controlling local pollution emissions is the most effective way to manage US air quality.
A lack of access to clean energy causes 1.6 million premature deaths worldwide from household fuels annually, and 0.8 million from air pollution in cities. Improving energy access through renewable resources has the potential for major health dividends.
Global carbon dioxide emissions have accelerated at a three percent increase per year in the 2000s, with nearly eight billion tonnes emitted globally in 2005 compared to six billion tonnes in 1995. The growth rate is attributed to increased fossil fuel usage and less efficient burning of these fuels.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory explore opportunities to increase solar energy conversion as an alternative to fossil fuels, with potential applications in electricity, fuel, and heat generation. Key findings include advancements in materials science, artificial photosynthesis, and thermoelectric materials that could enhance...
Researchers at the University of Bath have invented a new material that stores and releases hydrogen at room temperature, promising to solve the main problem holding back hydrogen-powered cars. The material could be used in combination with metal hydride sources to store and release energy instantaneously.
A growing energy supply will be needed to meet future demands; thorium offers fewer environmental and human health hazards in its fuel production. DBI has developed innovative concepts to exploit thorium's benefits, including reduced waste and toxicity.
Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers are exploring the use of ionic liquids for nuclear fuel reprocessing to mitigate the risk of unintended chain reactions. By incorporating boron-containing ions, these liquid salts can hold up to a hundred times more dissolved plutonium before reaching critical thresholds.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are exploring the production of high-value chemicals from cellulose feedstocks, such as trees and fast-growing plants. These chemicals, worth up to $25 per pound, could help make ethanol produced by biorefineries cost competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
A new system, developed by University of Florida engineers, can produce all three essentials - water, electricity, and refrigeration - from a single source. The system, which harnesses the power of gas turbines, achieves this through a heat-operated refrigeration process, making it efficient and compact.
The ESF task force identifies three research avenues to generate clean fuels from solar radiation: extending photovoltaic technology, constructing biomimetic devices, and tuning natural systems. These efforts aim to develop sustainable energy supply, reduce human ecological footprint, and mitigate climate change.
A study by the University of Chicago found that vegan diets are more energy-efficient and produce fewer greenhouse gases compared to meat-based diets. Reducing food choices like eggs or hamburgers can make a significant impact on reducing emissions, with even small changes resulting in substantial benefits.
The study predicts a 8 degree Celsius warming of the planet if all fossil fuels are used by 2300, with severe consequences for polar regions and oceans. The land would experience a drastic change from ice to boreal forests, while oceans would become more acidic and harm marine life.
A study published in Science found that charcoal use in Africa contributes to premature deaths and greenhouse gas emissions. The authors suggest transitioning from biomass fuels to cleaner alternatives could prevent millions of premature deaths.
A study by Harvard researchers suggests promoting cleaner charcoal production can prevent up to 2.8 million deaths and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45-66%. Transitioning from biomass fuels to petroleum-based fossil fuels offers the biggest health benefits, but is unlikely due to economic and infrastructure constraints.
Clemson University has received a $856,000 grant to develop more efficient methods for producing hydrogen. The team proposes thermochemical processes that require heat and complex chemical reactions to split water into its two elements, hydrogen and oxygen. These processes could potentially replace the classic electrolysis method, whic...
A review of dozens of studies found strong evidence of a link between global warming and changes in the behavior of US species, including earlier flowering, bird breeding, and species migrations. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on US wildlife.
Researchers are developing new technologies to extract hemicelluloses from wood chips, which can be converted into fuel ethanol, industrial polymers, and composite products. The goal is to create an integrated forest products biorefinery that increases paper production while reducing costs.
The study found that selling untreated used oil as fuel causes high levels of heavy metal emissions, including zinc and lead. Recycling and re-refining programs are recommended to reduce this environmental burden and promote safer alternatives.
A Pennsylvania inventory reveals that fossil fuels are the largest source of carbon dioxide, while motor vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The study also highlights the need for policy makers and others in the state to take action to reduce emissions.
Researchers at UCLA have created a new method for producing carbon nanoscrolls, which can be made at room temperature and offer significant advantages over traditional carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to improved hydrogen storage, enabling the development of pollution-free, hydrogen-powered cars.
Researchers recommend massive investment in alternative energy sources, including solar and wind power, to meet growing world demand. The study highlights the need for political will, targeted research and development, and international cooperation to mitigate climate change.
The study highlights the importance of developing revolutionary technologies for energy production, distribution, storage, and conversion to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Researchers emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to address the issue, as single solutions are unlikely to be effective.
The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been safely dismantled and removed, marking a significant milestone in the history of fusion research. The successful decommissioning demonstrates the promise of fusion as an environmentally attractive energy source, with minimal production of waste.
Researchers are exploring government policies to ensure a stable energy supply, including alternative sources like hydrogen, fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells. Energy R&D spending is linked to energy-related patents, highlighting the need for increased investment in emerging energy problems.
Researchers found that lard and choice white grease produce less nitrogen oxides, ash, and carbon monoxide when burned compared to No. 6 fuel oil. The study suggests that these alternatives could be a cleaner and more sustainable option for the food processing industry.
Researchers at Penn State have developed advanced computer techniques to improve the efficiency of nuclear and fossil fuel power plants. These new techniques can help extend the lifetime of fuel, increase operating efficiency, and save money, potentially leading to lower costs for consumers.