This course presents an overview of six alternative fuels used for vehicles: biodiesel, electricity, ethanol blended with gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane.
This course presents an overview of six alternative fuels used for vehicles: biodiesel, electricity, ethanol blended with gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane. In each case a description is given of the physical properties of the fuel, its source (what it is produced from), its environmental advantages and disadvantages, its effectiveness as a power source for a vehicle, its current availability (including its distribution system), and any characteristic problems which are unique to it. The course material consists of concise, easy-to-read fact sheets distributed by the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center of the U.S. Dept. of Energy. An engineer completing the course will possess useful, general scientific knowledge of the current state-of-the-art of alternative fuels without having to spend considerable time developing specialized knowledge of each fuel.
Topics: Biodiesel as a vehicle fuel Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles Flexible fuel vehicles (ethanol and gasoline) Hydrogen fuel cells used to power a vehicle Natural gas as a vehicle fuel Propane as a vehicle fuel.Â
Intended Audience: civil, mechanical, and transportation engineers, and would be of particular interest to engineers serving on governmental planning boards or concerned with maintaining fleet operations for a private company or for the military.Â
Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy
Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years
Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.
