Vehicle Fuel Management Study Guide

What is Particulate emission and why is it controlled? (p. 16)

(referring to the micron size of the particles). Particle emissions from diesel exhaust will probably be the most tightly controlled emission in coming years. Lower sulfur levels in the fuel will be followed with improved electronic controls, particulate traps, and catalytic converters.

What is E10? (p.23)

10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline

How common are natural gas vehicles and their refueling infrastructure? (p.31)

120K vehicles 1250 stations. Use of NGVs is widespread and growing. There are approximately 120,000 NGVs on U.S. roads today, and about 15 million worldwide.• There are about 1,250 NGV fueling stations in the U.S. and more than half are available for public use.

How does a gasoline electric hybrid function? (p.25)

A gasoline-electric hybrid car has one or two auxiliary electric motors that supplement the main gasoline engine. Compared to conventional automobiles, the gasoline engine in a gas-electric hybrid is smaller, less powerful, and more efficient. Although the gasoline engine alone would be sufficient to power the vehicle under most circumstances, during maneuvers requiring unusually high 26 power the electric motor is used as well.

Define alternative fuels. (p.18)

Alternative fuel' can refer to any available fuel or energy source. also known as non-conventional fuels, are any materials or substances that can be used as a fuel, other than conventional fuels

What is a bi-fuel propane vehicle? (p.32)

Bi-fuel propane vehicles have two separate fueling systems that enable the vehicle to use either propane or gasoline.

What are the alternative fuels being considered to power todays fleet vehicles? (p.21)

Biodiesel (B5 - B20) • Renewable Diesel (R20 - R99) • Ethanol (E10 - E85) • Electric • Hybrid technology • Hydrogen (Internal Combustion & Fuel Cell) • Natural Gas (Liquefied & Compressed) • Propane (LPG)

How can ethanol be used as a fuel? (p. 23)

Blended with gasoline

Are renewable diesel and Biodiesel similar? (p.22)

Both use similar feedstocks. Renewable diesel is also known as hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel (HDRD) is similar to biodiesel in that both use similar feedstocks, but they have different processing methods and create chemically different products

What type of vehicles use gasoline

Cars, sports utility vehicles, light trucks and motorcycles RV boats small aircraft. Equipment and tools in construction farming forestry and landscaping. Generators (light vehicles)

What is cetane and how is it measured? P.12

Cetane colorless gas number is a measure of the ignition delay. Primary measure for gauging diesel fuel quality the higher the number, the higher the quality of the diesel fuel.

What sources might the energy used to power the vehicle come from? (p.24-25)

Chemical energy stored on the vehicle in on-board batteries known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) • Static energy stored on the vehicle in on-board super capacitors • Kinetic energy storage or flywheels • Direct connection to land-based generation plants, as is common in electric trains and trolley buses • Renewable sources such as wind or solar • Generated energy on-board using a fuel cell: fuel cell vehicle

What are the temperature concerns with hydrogen powered vehicles? (p.28)

Cold-weather operation can also be problematic because fuel cell systems always contain water, both as a byproduct and for humidifying the fuel cell, which can freeze at low temperatures. The fuel cells must also reach a certain temperature to attain full performance.

What is the Fischer-Tropsch process? (p.20)

Converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into heavier liquid hydrocarbons including synthetic oil, Used today in South Africa to produce most of today's diesel from coal.

What is Biodiesel? (p.21)

Create by transesterification. Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.

What are the benefits of using hydrogen as a fuel? (p.26)

Decreased Green House Emmissions and ozone precursors.

What are some other problems associated with vehicle emissions? (p.17)

Dirty Air - Global Warming - Energy Dependence - Dirty Air -- 474 US Counties in Non-Attainment• Global Warming -- 64% US Oil Consumption for Transportation• Energy Dependence -- 59.9% US Net Petroleum Imports

What is E85? (p.24)

E85 - 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline

4How can you find certified retrofitted technologies to reduce diesel emissions? (p.15)

EPA CARB and verified technology lists are maintained by each program.

What is Ethanol? (p.23)

Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane motor fuel that is produced from renewable sources. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn or other starch-based crops.

How might an organization adopt biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute? (p.22)

Fuel grade must be produced to meet ASTM-D6751. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel.

What s the most common fuel in the US

Gasoline (petroleum)

What are some of the safety concerns involving the use of hydrogen as a fuel? (p.28)

Handling compressed hydrogen is new to most consumers. Therefore, developers must optimize new fuel storage and delivery systems for safe, everyday use, and consumers must become familiar with hydrogen's properties and risks.

What are some of the issues with storing hydrogen? (p.28)

High Pressure storage. It is currently difficult to store enough hydrogen onboard a FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) to allow it to travel as far as a conventional vehicle on a full tank of fuel.

What seasonal cycles does the demand for gasoline follow?

Higher in the warmer months and lower in the colder months

What are the most common vehicle emissions caused by gasoline? p.10

Hydrocarbons (HC) • Carbon Monoxide (CO) • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) • Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) • Particulate Matter (PM10/2.5)

How is renewable diesel made? (p. 23)

Hydrotreating, a process which is being utilized in today's petroleum refineries

What might US states in non-attainment areas for ground level ozone have to do? (p.17)

Impose new controls on industrial plants • Restrict transportation • Tougher vehicle inspection programs • Special, cleaner-burning gasoline . Thirty-four states do not meet new health standards for ground-level ozone. Part or all of 958 counties nationwide are in nonattainment. Areas in noncompliance may have to:• Impose new controls on industrial plants• Restrict transportation• Require tougher vehicle inspection programs• Require use of special, cleaner-burning gasoline

Why are additives used in diesel fuel? 13

Increase mileage • Clean injectors and engine deposits • Remove water • Increase cetane rating • Lubricate the top cylinder • Stabilize fuel

How can methanol and ethanol be used as energy sources? (p.21)

Internal combustion engines with minor modifications. Methanol from any source can be used in internal combustion engines with minor modifications. It usually is made from natural gas, sometimes from coal, and could be made from any carbon source including CO2. Flexible fuel vehicles may run with a high percentage of ethanol (up to 85% Ethanol plus 15% gasoline for cold-starting vapor pressure).Methanol and ethanol are typically not primary sources of energy; however, they are a convenient way to store the energy for transportation.

Are all vehicles ethanol compatible? (p.24)

It is important to note that it does not take a special vehicle to run on ethanol. All vehicles are "ethanol vehicles" and can use up to 10% ethanol with no modifications to the engine. Often people confuse E85 for ethanol, and may believe that not all vehicles are ethanol compatible, which is not the case

What is the difference between leaded and unleaded gasoline

Lead contains Tetraethyl to silence knocks and reduce valve wear

How expensive is it to maintain a propane vehicle? (p.32)

Lower maintenance costs are a prime reason behind propane's popularity for use in delivery trucks, taxis, and buses. Propane's high-octane rating (104 to 112 compared with 87 to 92 for gasoline) and low carbon and oil contamination characteristics, have resulted in documented engine life of up to two times that of gasoline engines.

How has the competition from other fuel sources affected the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source? (p.29)

Manufacturers are still improving the efficiency of gasoline and diesel-powered engines, and gasoline-electric hybrids are gaining popularity.

What is Methane Hydrate? (p.20)

Natural gas. Consists of methane molecules trapped in the crystalline structure of water ice and is found in deposits under ocean sediments or within continental sedimentary rock formations.

What are the sources of Non-Traditional Oil? (p.20)

Non-conventional oil sources include tar sands, oil shale and bitumen. Enormous deposits of non-conventional oil include the Athabasca Oil Sands site in northwestern (Alberta) Canada and the Venezuelan Orinoco tar sands.

How does OPEC influence oil supply? (p.36)

ORGANIZATION OF PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES (OPEC) manages world oil prices by adjusting production quotas of members and therefore, the supply. Sometimes members overproduce to make more money or satisfy political aims.

What are the most significant issues involved in using hydrogen as a fuel source? (p.27)

Onboard Hydrogen Storage, Cold weather operation, Getting Hydrogen to consumers vehicle and fuel availability, safety competition with other technologies, Public Acceptance

What are the main additives used in Gasoline p.9

Oxygenates Antioxidants Antiknock agents Fuel Dyes Metal deactivators Corrosion inhibitors Stabilizers

What are the two types of national ambient air quality standards? (p.17)

Primary standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.• Secondary standards provide public welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.

How is Biodiesel made? (p.21-22)

Process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat vegetable oil.

What is the benchmark price for crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange? (p.37)

Quotas, The benchmark price is for East Texas Sweet Crude

Why is RFG used? (p.32)

REFORMULATED GASOLINE (RFG) RFG is not classified as an alternative fuel. It is mandated by the EPA in specific regions to make sure that the fuel produces less carbon monoxide, so it burns cleaner

What is renewable diesel? (p. 23)

Renewable diesel is a broad class of fuels derived from biomass feed stocks including oils or animal fats, but processed by other means.

What are sustainable alternative fuels? (p.19)

Renewable energy, least sustainable energy (such as nuclear power) as a source of the fuel. Alternative fuels ie hydrogen.

Why use Biodiesel? (p.22)

Renewable resources, has lower emissions. Biodiesel is better for the environment than conventional diesel because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in North America from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.

What process is used to refine crude oil?

Simple Distillation aimed at seperating the crude oil into its fractions. Crude is put into a still (distillation column) different products boil off and can be recovered at different temperatures .

What is downstream distillation? p.8

Some processes change the molecular structure of the input with chemical reactions, some in the presence of a catalyst, and some with thermalreactions.

What tools are available to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? (p.33)alternative fuels data center

The Alternative Fuels Data Center has a tool for reducing petroleum and greenhouse gas emissions. Their interactive model includes various saving methods such as replacing vehicles, using alternative fuels in existing vehicles, reducing idling time, reducing mileage, and driving efficiently. This free tool is easy to use and very helpful in planning how to reduce petroleum usage and ultimately save cost. The tool can be found at: https://www.afdc.energy.gov/prep/

What is the cold filter plugging point? (p.14)

The temperature at which a fuel will cause a fuel filter to plug, due to fuel components which have begun to crystallize or gel.

What is the cloud point of a diesel fuel? (p.14)

The temperature at which small solid crystals are first visually observed as the fuel is cooled. The temperature at which small solid crystals are first visually observed as the fuel is cooled. This is the most conservative measurement of cold flow properties.

What are the uses of diesel fuel? P. 10-11

Trucks, trains, boats, and barges, public buses and school buses.Diesel fuel powers most of the farm and construction equipment in North America. The construction industry also depends on the power diesel fuel provides. Diesel engines can perform demanding construction work, like lifting steel beams, digging foundations and trenches, drilling wells, paving roads, and moving soil safely and efficiently. The military uses diesel fuel in tanks and trucks because it is less flammable and less explosive than other fuels. Diesel engines are also less likely to stall than gasoline-fueled engines. Diesel fuel is also used in diesel engine generators to generate electricity. Many industrial facilities, large buildings, institutional facilities, hospitals, and electric utilities have diesel generators for backup and emergency power supply. Most remote villages in northern areas use diesel generators for their electricity

Why is USLD valuable in North America p.11

United States, where the maximum allowable sulfur is 0.05 percent by weight

Why is oil imported? (p.34)

Until the early 1970's, the oil industry had primarily focused economic analysis on domestic supply and demand. As this demand exceeded the supply, resulting in increased levels of imports, attention turned to supplies outside the United States.

How might the use of renewable diesel be able to impact carbon emissions? (p.23)

Using renewable diesel fuels can further reduce carbon dioxide emissions anywhere from 20-60 percent. From an environmental perspective, renewable diesel can reduce emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Diesel vehicles are naturally 20-40 percent more energy efficient than gasoline vehicles, resulting in a 10-20 percent reduction in GHG emissions. Using renewable diesel fuels can further reduce carbon dioxide emissions anywhere from 20-60 percent

What are some of the current limitations of hydrogen powered vehicles? (p.28)

Vehicle and Fuel Availability

What is ozone and what are the health risks associated with it? (p. 16)

Vehicle emissions including unburned fuels (volatile organic compounds (VOC), mix in the presence of sunlight on a calm day and produce ozone/smog.

What is Non-Conventional Oil? (p.20)

a fossil fuel chemically identical and with the same origin as conventional or traditional oil, but existing in a different form. These fuels often contain more contaminants and are more energy intensive to produce, thus raising environmental concerns about their sustainability.

What is a hydrogen vehicle? (p. 26)

a vehicle that uses hydrogen as its on-board fuel for power. The term may refer to a personal transportation vehicle, such as an automobile, or any other vehicle that uses hydrogen in a similar fashion, such as an aircraft. The power plants of such vehicles convert the chemical energy of hydrogen to mechanical energy (torque) in one of two methods: combustion, or electrochemical conversion in a fuel-cell.

What is an electric vehicle? (p.24)

a vehicle with one or more electric motors for propulsion

What tools can be used to help calculate greenhouse gas emissions in Canada? (p.33)

alter. Offers a tool to calculate GHG and other emissions can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/tools-for-applying/calculator-greenhouse-gases-air-contaminants.html

Why is it important to understand the dynamics of fuel supply and demand? (p.33)

alternative fuels data center. makes it easier to anticipate price changes, follow key fuel standards and identify the steps and technologies to improve fuel efficiency.

Why would non-sustainable alternative fuels be used. (p.19)

because they cause less pollution at the point of use, and perhaps less pollution overall.

What can happen to diesel fuel and the equipment that it is used in if there is a microbial contamination in the fuel? p.12

cause acid formation, rust, corrosion and filter plugging. Fuel can degrade to the point where it is sludge and is unusable.

What terms are used to characterize the cold flow properties of diesel fuel? P13-14

cloud point, and the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) or the low temperature filterability test (LTFT).

What are some of the other benefits of propane powered vehicles? (p.32)

cold start 2x engine life. Compared with vehicles fueled with conventional diesel and gasoline, propane vehicles can produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions. Another benefit of propane vehicles is increasing U.S. energy security7

What are the two broad categories of hydrogen fueled vehicles? (p. 26)

combustion, or electrochemical conversion in a fuel-cell.

What is ultra Low Sulphur Diesel? P.11

contains max 15 ppm sulfur, lower sulfur content than other diesel fuels, a specially refined diesel fuel that has a dramatically lower sulfur content than regular on-highway diesel and can be used in any diesel engine just like regular diesel fuel.

What are the safety benefits of using natural gas as a fuel? (p.31)

dissapates, high ignition temp, and limited flammability. fuel systems are "sealed," which prevents any spills or evaporative losses. The high ignition temperature and limited flammability range make accidental ignition or combustion of natural gas unlikely.Natural gas is not toxic or corrosive and will not contaminate ground water.

How can natural gas be used to decrease our dependence on foreign oil? (p.30)

domestic supply. because U.S. natural gas reserves are abundant, this alternative fuel can be domestically produced

How is diesel fuel kept warm in most modern engines? (p.14)

excess diesel fuel is brought to the engine and warm fuel that has come close to the engine, fuel tank and fuel filter heaters. In addition, many of the trucks used in cold climates today are outfitted with fuel tank and fuel filter heaters.

What are some of the considerations when looking at hybrid fuel sources? (p. 25)

fuel efficient, power, driving range, or reduced greenhouse gas emissions

How can Biodiesel be used? (p.21)

fuel used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

What is the major environmental concern according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change? (p.19)

increase in globally-averaged temperatures caused by greenhouse gas. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, is that "...most of the observed increase in globally-averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations." Since burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, they are a likely contributor to global warming.

Why are additives used in Gasoline p.9

increase the octane rating

What are some concerns of our growing appetite for oil? (p.34)

increased demand. It will eventually become scarce and will run out more quickly as China, India and other countries develop energy intensive economies like those of North America, Europe and other parts of Asia

At which point is diesel recovered in the distillation process? p.11-12

is categorized as a middle distillate, diesel is recovered at a higher temperature, between 356-716 degrees Fahrenheit and is categorized as a middle distillate (along with jet fuel and kerosene).

Why is natural gas the lowest producer of greenhouse gasses out of all of the fossil fuels? (p.31)

less carbon produces lower co2. Tests have shown that natural gas vehicles produce up to 20 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than comparable gasoline vehicles and up to 15 percent less than comparable diesel vehicles.

When is gasoline recovered during the refining process p8

liquid petroleum gases and straight run gasoline, are recovered at the lowest temperatures

How might the use of natural gas-powered vehicles reduce vehicle exhaust emissions? (p.30)

lower carbon dioxide

What is cellulosic ethanol? (p.24)

made from cellulosic feedstocks such as grass, wood and crop residues. It is a more challenging process than using starch-based crops. It is still in experimental stages and the process is not yet efficient enough to implement large scale production

What is the source of the fuel? (p. 26)

many thermos-chemical methods utilizing natural gas. coal. Other methods include liquefied petroleum gas biomass (biomass gasification) by a process called thermolysis, or as a microbial waste product called biohydrogen or biological hydrogen production. Hydrogen can also be produced from water by electrolysis. The molecular hydrogen needed as an on-board fuel for hydrogen vehicles can be obtained through many thermos-chemical methods utilizing natural gas. One method used is coal (by a process known as coal gasification). Other methods include liquefied petroleum gas, biomass (biomass gasification) by a process called thermolysis, or as a microbial waste product called biohydrogen or biological hydrogen production. Hydrogen can also be produced from water by electrolysis. If the electricity used for the electrolysis is produced using renewable energy, the production of the hydrogen results in no net carbon dioxide emissions. On-board decomposition to produce hydrogen can occur when a catalyst is used.

Why is water a concern in diesel fuel? P.12

microbes have all the resources they needto multiply into a colony. These colonies can consume up to 1% of your fuel investment, while destroying the rest. Warm temperatures accelerate the growth of microbial colonies.

Have the Energy Policy Acts of 1992 or 2005 achieved their goals of reducing the importation of foreign oil? (p.36)

no. As a point of reference, notice where we were in 1992, when the Energy Policy Act was passed with a goal of reducing imports 10% by 2000 and 30% by 2010. Obviously, the EPA goal is far from being achieved; however, EPA 2005 may have been able to slow the momentum of rising import numbers (Figure 1.11).

Is RFG an alternative fuel? (p.33)mno

no. RFG is a cleaner fuel but NOT an alternative fuel. It may contain up to 20% renewable content.

What are the benefits of renewable diesel? (p.23)

offer a variety of energy security, economic and environmental benefits. Reduce dependents on foreign oil. One of the most frequently-cited benefits is its ability to help Canada and the United States offset the need for foreign oil imports and move toward energy independence. It has also drawn strong support from the agricultural community which would benefit from increased farm income.

How expensive is natural gas as fuel? (p.31)

on average, one-third less than conventional gasoline at the pump.

What is the ultimate blend level of ethanol? (p.24)

optimal blend level of ethanol and gasoline (most likely E20 or E30)

How common is the use of RFG? (p.33)

over 1/3 of US vehicles

How does a fuel cell function? (p.27)

polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also called Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells uses hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to produce electricity

How do propane powered vehicles handle in comparison to gasoline powered vehicles? (p.32)

propane and gas. Propane vehicle power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of gasoline-powered vehicles.

What is Biomass? (p.19)

refers to living and recently dead biological material which can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as biofuel, includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibers, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burned as fuel.

What is the main purpose of fuel? (p.19)

store energy in a form that is stable and easily transported

What is a hybrid electric vehicle? (p. 25)

two or more major sources of propulsion power

Describe the peak oil theory concern (p.19)

which predicts a rising cost of oil derived fuels caused by severe shortages of oil during an era of growing energy consumption

Is propane an alternative fuel? (p.32)

yes. Propane has been used in vehicles since the 1920s. It is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and qualifies for alternative fuel vehicle tax incentives.

What are the leading options to treat diesel in the cold weather? (p.14)

• Blend it with kerosene • Utilize an additives • Utilize fuel: tank, filter,line heaters • Store vehicles in a building when not in use

What are the effects of the problematic emissions? (p. 16)

• Damaged Trees/Crops Respiratory/Eye irritation, hinders breathing, impairs coordinations, acid rain component, ozone contributor, Respiratory Irritation

What sources of energy could hybrid electric vehicles use? (p. 25)

• On-board rechargeable energy storage system and a direct continuous connection to land-based generation plants for purposes of on-highway recharging with unrestricted highway range • On-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a fueled propulsion power source (internal combustion engine): including the diesel-electric locomotive & plug-in hybrid • Chemical energy stored on the vehicle in on-board batteries known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)• Static energy stored on the vehicle in on-board super capacitors• Kinetic energy storage or flywheels• Direct connection to land-based generation plants, as is common in electric trains and trolley buses• Renewable sources such as wind or solar• Generated energy on-board using a fuel cell: fuel cell vehicle

What vehicle emissions are listed by the DOE and EPA as problems? (p. 15)

• Particulate matter • Nitrogen oxide • Hydrocarbons • Carbon monoxide • Carbon dioxide