Alternative propulsion
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Alternative propulsion is a term used frequently for power train concepts differing from the standard internal combustion engine concept used in gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles.
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[edit] Definition
The term alternative propulsion or "alternate methods of propulsion" includes both
- alternative fuels used in standard or modified internal combustion engines (e.g. combustion hydrogen).
- propulsion systems not based on internal combustion, such as those based on electricity (for example, electric or hybrid vehicles), compressed air, or fuel cells (e.g. hydrogen fuel cells).
Today's cars can be classified in three main groups:
- Pampetro cars, that is, uses only petroleum.
- Hybrid vehicles, that use petroleum and another source, generally electricity.
- Petrofree cars, that do not use petroleum, such as 100% electric cars, hydrogen vehicles...
[edit] Motivation and petro-free
The motivation for the research in alternative propulsion in transport is primarily to achieve more sustainable methods of transportation than those relying on fossil fuels.
Petrofree is a term to indicate that petro(leum) is not used or sold (i.e. petrofree fuel station, petrofree vehicle).
[edit] Application fields
Most work in alternative propulsion concepts is focused on replacing traditional internal combustion engines in automobiles. Several contenders, such as Michelin's Challenge Bibendum and the North American Solar Challenge, are designed to provide motivations for effective concepts utilizing alternative propulsion. Hybrid vehicles, which combine an internal combustion engine with an alternative system, are perhaps the most visible example of alternative propulsion systems in use today.
Alternative propulsion is not limited to automobiles, however; it can also apply to types of spacecraft propulsion beyond solid- or liquid-fueled rockets. Propulsion methods such as the ion thruster and solar sail are examples of alternative propulsion options for spacecraft.
[edit] Criteria for successful application of alternative propulsion
In order to supplant traditional propulsion systems, alternative propulsion systems must be able to equal or exceed the performance and convenience of traditional systems in several areas:
- operating radius
- acceleration and top speed
- stability of the stored energy (degradation over time, losses or leakages)
- refueling procedure
- environmental effects (minimizing odor, noise, vibrations, radiation, emission of noxious substances, etc.)
[edit] Wheel-to-wheel
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[edit] See also
- Battery-electric vehicle
- Electric vehicle conversion
- Hybrid vehicle
- Hydrogen vehicle
- Spacecraft propulsion
- Low-energy vehicle
- Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
- Tribrid vehicle
- World Green Car
[edit] External links
- Sustainable Green Fleets EU-sponsored Dissemination project for alternative propelled cars and alternative fuels
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Training National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, West Virginia University U.S.
- Alternative Propulsion Strategy at General Motors
- Alternative Propulsion at Opel: Hydrogen Cars
- Berlin Environmental Challenges for Alternative Propulsion Systems Reinhard Kolke Umweltbundesamt Lecture (pdf) at the Well-to-Wheels Conference 2001 14-16 May 2001, Nice.
- Green Progress Alternative Transportation Technology]
- DIRECTIVE 1999/94/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 13 December 1999, relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy and CO2 emissions in respect of the marketing of new passenger carsPDF.
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