Essay Biodiesel vs. Ethanol - 1076 Words

Biodiesel vs. Ethanol Both biodiesel and ethanol are derivatives of biomass that have been processed to create a liquid biofuel. Both types of biofuels have been touted as secure and environmentally safe alternatives to fossil fuels, however the research verifying these claims is extensive but often contradicting. In the following paper, the efficiency and quality of the two types of biofuel will be discussed. The effects of variables such as source materials and production techniques on efficiency and quality will be considered. Due to the limited scope of this paper however, only generalized net analyses of ethanol and biodiesel production will be considered. The production of ethanol requires one of two source materials, cellulose†¦show more content†¦An important similarity between production of biodiesel and production of ethanol is that at some point during processing both systems require an input of either fossil, hydro, electric, solar, or wind energy. Thus, in order to determine if the u se of biofuels for mobile transportation purposes is more efficient than using fossil fuels, net energy analyses must be considered (Malca and Freire, 2006). It is significant to note that net energy analyses of both types of biofuels will differ based on source matter, differential processing technologies, crop production techniques, and the amount of biofuel being utilized. For example, bioethanol that is produced from wheat has a greater energy renewability efficiency value (ERenEF) (48%) than does ethanol produced from corn. ERenEF â€Å"measures the fraction of final fuel energy obtained from renewable resources† (Maca and Freire, 2006). This indicates that a greater percentage of the energy from wheat-based ethanol is renewable, as compared to energy from corn-based ethanol. Similarly, different processing technologies affect the energy renewability efficiency of ethanol. The use of ethyl tertiary butyl ether as a fuel oxygenate will increase an ERenEF when compared with the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether is as a fuel oxygenate. Different crop production techniques (e.g. no- till systems asShow MoreRelatedIs Fossil Fuel Reserves Be Diminished?1354 Words   |  6 Pagesbiofuels, derive from the biomass of feedstock, which may include corn-based ethanol, soybean-based biodiesel and straight vegetable oil. First generation biofuels are characterised by its ability to blend biofuel with fuels that are petroleum-based [3]. The product can be applied to internal combustion engines in currently-existing infrastructure. 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Ethanol is produced by using the sugars in a plant and distilling it into pure alcohol, in the United States, corn is the primary source for ethanol fuel (Ethanol Market, 2006). Biodiesel is another popularRead MoreBio-Diesel from Algae: An Acceptable Answer to Our Prayers Essay1195 Words   |  5 Pagesthan gasoline and is just as biodegradable as sugar. This is the future of bio-diesel, and is well on its way to becoming the future we will live in. Bio-diesel has always been an area of study for researchers looking for renewable fuels, usually biodiesel is produced from plant waste, like corn husks, but recently it was discovered that bio-diesel could be produced with oils found in algae, which many people are considering to be our best option when it comes to alternative fuels. This new-foundRead MoreComm/215 Final Research Paper2096 Words   |  9 Pagesmoney per car which then permits the company to buy more cars. 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