Alternative Fuels - Concept Selection and Embodiment

CONCEPT SELECTION

EMBODIMENT

Technicality:

Production of CO:

The process has two packed towers, an absorber and a stripper. A copper containing solvent is circulated through the absorber where it comes in contact with the gaseous mixture. The copper cation in the solvent complexes the CO and absorbs it into the solvent. The other gases are left untouched. The CO rich solvent flows from the bottom of the absorber to a heat exchanger where it gives a large fraction of dissolved CO to the gas phase. In the stripper a boiling aromatic compound dries the CO quantitatively out of the solvent.

Production of Ni/SiO2 catalyst:

Ni[II]nitrate hexahydrate, powdered Silica and SiO2 is impregnated with an aqueous solution of Ni(NO3)2.6H2O followed by drying at 100 degrees celcius for 24 hours and subsequent calcination is performed at 800 degrees celcius for 2 hours in air.

Combustion:

CO is injected into the fuel tank. This CO is combusted in the combustion engine and produces CO2 as the final product.

CO + 1/2O2 = CO

Heating Value: 340 BTU/SCF

CO2 is sent through a chamber and Methane is pumped into it in the presence of Ni/SiO2 catalyst. CO2 and Methane react to give CO, H2 and H2O.

2CO2 + CH4 = 3CO + H2O + H2

Now, all three gases are sent into the combustion chamber. Here CO combusts to give CO2 and H2 combusts to give H20. The products are sent into the exhaust valve and the process is repeated again.

Advantages:

Relative Energy Density of CO is 1.25 times Methane. CO contains no water in its combustion products and hence, its gross and net heats of combustion are the same while Methane uses only 90% of its gross heat of combustion.

CO has a higher octane number than Methane.

CO delivers 25% more horse power than Methane.

Ergonomics:

1.The fuel system should be compact enough that it does not increase the size of the vehicle too much and hence handling is easier.

2.Neither the reactants nor the products should corrode the fuel system.

3.Ethyl mercaptan is used to detect leakage of fuel.

Aesthetics:

1. The fuel system is compact so that the size of the car is not altered, thereby giving the model a satisfying appearance.

2. There should be no leakage, which form stains on the engine and the adjoining areas spoiling the aesthetics of the system.