Clean Cities Annual Metrics Report 2006
7/1/2007
Clean Cities coordinators submit an annual report of their activities and accomplishments for the previous calendar year. Coordinators submit a range of data that characterize the membership, funding, projects, and activities of their coalitions as well as data about sales of alternative fuel blends, deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, idle reduction initiatives, and fuel economy activities. NREL analyzes the data and translates them into gasoline reduction impacts.
Survey results indicate that about 375 million gallons of gasoline were displaced through Clean Citiew efforts in 2006, 50 percent more than in 2005. Alternative fuel vehicles accounted for 71 percent of the reduction. Biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) used in AFVs displaced 128 million gallons, 34 percent of the total 375 million.
Authors: Bergeron, P.; Putsche, V.
Environmental Assessment of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Vol. 2: United States Air Quality Analysis Based on AEO-2006 Assumptions for 2030 (Executive Summary)
7/1/2007
Because of the significant reduction in emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel use and because caps are in place for some conventional pollutants for the electric power sector, this study finds that in many regions of the U.S., deployment of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)would reduce exposures to ozone and particulate matter, and reduce deposition rates for acids, nutrients, and mercury. On the other hand, because of assuming no further controls beyond existing regulations for the power sector, ozone levels would increase locally in some areas. Similarly, the direct emissions of particulate matter and mercury would increase somewhat and some regions and populations would experience marginal increases in exposures to those pollutants. However, as explained in the key findings, PHEVs do not increase the U.S. contribution to the global mercury budget over the long term.
Notes: To download entire document go to: http://www.epri.com/abstracts/Pages/ProductAbstract.aspx?ProductId=000000000001015326. EPRI makes no warranty or representations, expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in the material. Additionally, EPRI assumes no liability with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of the material.
Environmental Assessment of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Vol. 1: Nationwide Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Executive Summary)
7/1/2007
This report describes the first detailed, nationwide analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The "well-to-wheels" analysis accounted for emissions from the generation of electricity to charge PHEV batteries and from the production, distribution, and consumption of gasoline and diesel motor fuels. Conclusions indicate annual and cumulative GHG emissions are reduced significantly across each of the nine scenario combinations of PHEV fleet penetration; and annual GHG emissions reductions were significant in every scenario combination of the study. Cumulative GHG emissions reductions between 2010 and 2050 can range from 3.4 to 10.3 billion metric tons. Each region of the country will yield reductions in GHG emissions.
Notes: To download entire document go to: http://www.epri.com/abstracts/Pages/ProductAbstract.aspx?productId=000000000001015325 EPRI makes no warranty or representations, expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in the material. Additionally, EPRI assumes no liability with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of the material.
Breaking the Chemical and Engineering Barriers to Lignocellulosic Biofuels: Next Generation Hydrocarbon Biorefineries
6/30/2007
To articulate the essential role of chemistry, chemical catalysis, thermal processing, and engineering in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into green gasoline, green diesel and green jet fuel, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy convened a workshop entitled "Breaking the Chemical and Engineering Barriers to Lignocellulosic Biofuels" on June 25-26, 2007, in Washington, D.C., ancillary to the 2007 ACS Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference. Over 70 participants from 24 academic institutions, 20 petroleum, chemical and biofuel companies, and 7 national laboratories contributed expertise in chemical catalysis, chemistry, petroleum refining, nanotechnology, quantum chemistry, and engineering. This document is the result of that workshop.This roadmap to "Next Generation Hydrocarbon Biorefineries" outlines a number of novel process pathways for biofuels production based on sound scientific and engineering proofs of concept demonstrated in laboratories around the world.
Authors: Huber, George W.
Characterization of Fine Particle and Gaseous Emissions During School Bus Idling
6/8/2007
The particulate matter (PM) and gaseous emissions from 6 diesel school buses were determined over a simulated waiting period typical of schools in the NE United States. Testing was conducted for both continuous idel and hot restart conditions using a suite of on-line particle and gas analyzers installed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Diesel Emissions Aerosol Laboratory. Results of the study showed little difference in the measured emissions between a 10-minute post-restart idle and a 10-minute continuous idle with the exception of total hydrocarbons and formaldehyde. However, an emissions pulse was observed during engine restart. A predictive equation was developed from the experimental data, which allows a comparison between continuous idle and hot restart for NOx, CO, PM-2.5, and PAHs. This equation indicates that restart is the preferred operating scenario as long as there is no extended idling after the engine is restarted.
Authors: Kinsey, J.; Williams, D.; Dong, Y.; Logan, R.
Coalition Cooperation Defines Roadmap for E85 and Biodiesel
6/1/2007
The Colorado Biofuels Coalition was formed in late 2005 and has a goal to expand the number of E85 stations in Colorado from 10 to 50 by the end of 2007. This coalition is an example of cooperation between the state executive office, the state office of health and environment, state and local fleets, fuel producers and distributors, Clean Cities Coalitions, and OEMs. The organization, members, and strategies for effecting this change are detailed as well as techniques for dealing with specific issues including funding.
Biofuels: DOE Lacks a Strategic Approach to Coordinate Increasing Production with Infrastructure Development and Vehicle Needs
6/1/2007
Combined ethanol and biodiesel production increased rapidly between 2004 and 2006 but composed only 3 percent of 2006 U.S. transportation fuel use. Existing biofuel distribution infrastructure has limited capacity to transport the fuels and deliver them to consumers. In 2006, an estimated 4.5 million flexible fuel vehicles capable of operating on E85 were in use--an estimated 1.8 percent of the nearly 244 million U.S. vehicles.
The Government Accounting Office (GAO) has found that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has not yet developed a comprehensive approach to coordinate its strategy for expanding biofuels production with the development of biofuel infrastructure and the production of vehicles. Such an approach could assist in determining which biofuel blend would most effectively and efficiently increase the use of the fuel and what infrastructure development or vehicle production is needed to support that blend level.
Summary of the Study of E85 Fuel in the USA, Winter 2006/2007
5/31/2007
This report summarizes the results of a study of E85 fuel use in the United States during the winter of 2006-07 to determine the properties of winter fuels. Samples were purchased at retail outlets and shipped to SGS Germany GmbH for analysis. A complete report ("Fuel Study of E85 in the USA, Winter 2006/2007"), which contains individual sample data as well as results on many other properties not contained in this summary, is available for purchase at www.us.sgs.com.
Notes: A complete report ("Fuel Study of E85 in the USA, Winter 2006/2007"), which contains individual sample data as well as results on many other properties not contained in this summary, is available for purchase at www.us.sgs.com.
Research on PHEV Battery Requirements and Evaluation of Early Prototypes
5/17/2007
Presentation overview of energy storage requirements being validated with systems-level testing including energy storage requirements using PSAT, battery requirements validation with HIL, and PHEV Prius Vehicle Testing.
Authors: Rousseau, A.; Shidore, N.; Carlson, R.; Nelson, P.
Costs and Emissions Associated with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging in the Xcel Energy Colorado Service Territory
5/1/2007
The combination of high oil costs, concerns about oil security and availability, and air quality issues related to vehicle emissions are driving interest in ?plug-in? hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs are similar to conventional hybrid electric vehicles, but feature a larger battery and plug-in charger that allows electricity from the grid to replace a portion of the petroleum-fueled drive energy. PHEVs may derive a substantial fraction of their miles from grid-derived electricity, but without the range restrictions of pure battery electric vehicles. As of early 2007, production of PHEVs is essentially limited to demonstration vehicles and prototypes. However, the technology has received considerable attention from the media, national security interests, environmental organizations, and the electric power industry. The use of PHEVs would represent a significant potential shift in the use of electricity and the operation of electric power systems. Electrification of the transportation sector could increase generation capacity and transmission and distribution (T&D) requirements, especially if vehicles are charged during periods of high demand. This study is designed to evaluate several of these PHEV-charging impacts on utility system operations within the Xcel Energy Colorado service territory.
Authors: Parks, K.; Denholm, P.; Markel, T.
2006 B100 Quality Survey Results: Milestone Report
5/1/2007
In 2006 NREL conducted a nationwide quality survey of pure biodiesel (B100) intended to be used as a blendstock. The study collected random samples throughout the United States and analyzed them for quality against the current and proposed ASTM D6751 fuel quality specifications. The survey revealed the increasing prevalence of B99.9 in the marketplace. As a group, the samples had a failure rate of 59% compared to the specifications. The B100 samples as a subset had an identical failure rate. Most often, the samples failed by exceeding the allowable total glycerin or by not meeting the minimum flash point specification. Several samples failed to meet requirements for multiple properties. The individual failure rtes for total glycerin and flash point were 33% and 30% respectively. The results of this study were not production volume weighted, but do show a significant fuel quality concern for B100 produced and distributed during 2006.
Authors: Alleman, T.L.; McCormick, R.L.; Deutch, S.
Thermochemical Ethanol via Indirect Gasification and Mixed Alcohol Synthese of Lignocellulosic Biomass
4/30/2007
This work addresses a policy initiative by the Federal Administration to apply United States Department of Energy (DOE) research to broadening the country?s domestic production of economic, flexible, and secure sources of energy fuels. President Bush stated in his 2006 State of the Union Address: ?America is addicted to oil.? To reduce the Nation?s future demand for oil, the President has proposed the Advanced Energy Initiative which outlines significant newinvestments and policies to change the way we fuel our vehicles and change the way we power our homes and businesses. The specific goal for biomass in the Advanced Energy Initiative is to foster the breakthrough technologies needed to make cellulosic ethanol cost-competitive with corn-based ethanol by 2012.
Authors: Phillips, Steve;Aden, Andy;Jechura, John;Dayton, David (NREL);Eggeman, Tim (Neoterics, International, Inc.)
Permit Pending
4/1/2007
The process of obtaining the proper permits to build and operate a biodiesel plant can be complicated and confusing. This article provides a list of common permits and approvals required and suggests that some projects may need to rely on regulatory professionals who can offer experience in the process.
Authors: McElroy, A.K.