-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [biofuel] VW presents new synthetic fuel strategy
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 18:29:19 +0900
From: Keith Addison
To: biofuel@yahoogroups.com
http://www.news24.co.za/News24/Wheels24/News/0,3999,2-15-47_1083848,00.html
21/09/2001 14:38 - (SA)
VW presents new synthetic fuel strategy
In the context of its fuel strategy released at the recent Frankfurt
IAA Motor Show, Volkswagen sees SunFuel as a key step towards
environmentally compatible mobility. The new fuel offers considerable
potential for the optimisation of conventional engines. SunFuel is
also suitable for use in fuel cell systems with reformers.
On this basis, it will be possible to fill up fuel cell vehicles with
a fuel produced from renewable resources without developing costly
new infrastructure of the type which would be needed for hydrogen
fuel.
SunFuel is a synthetic fuel produced from biomass by a regenerative
process. Natural photosynthesis is used for fuel production. Plants
develop biomass from atmospheric carbon dioxide with the aid of
energy from the sun.
To a large extent, this biomass consists of carbon and hydrogen. In
the first step of the SunFuel process, these major constituents of
biomass are converted into synthesis gas (H2, CO, CO2). This is then
transformed into hydrocarbons in a synthesis reactor and processed as
required to produce the "designer" fuel.
SunFuel is an extremely high-grade fuel, free from sulphur and
aromatics. As biomass binds carbon dioxide during growth, the process
is neutral with regard to carbon dioxide production. A variety of
different types of biomass can be used for the synthesis of the new
fuel.
On the one hand, fast-growing, sturdy, resilient plants such as sedge
(Miscanthus), poplars or willows can be grown. On the other hand,
waste products containing carbon and hydrogen, such as sewage sludge,
plastics or household refuse, can also be processed.
SunFuel must not be confused with Biodiesel. While only rapeseed oil
is used for Biodiesel production, the SunFuel process taps the energy
contained in the entire plant.
The use of SunFuel is highly environmentally compatible. In contrast
to fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas, no additional carbon
dioxide is produced during the combustion of SunFuel. As it is free
from sulphur and aromatics, the new fuel also ensures a significant
reduction in all types of emissions normally measured, especially
particulate matter.
According to Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Head of Volkswagen Research,
"SunFuel opens up additional new perspectives. To date, engine
developers have been forced to work with the fuel qualities
available. Now, synthetic fuels of a variety of types can be produced.
"Not only petrol or diesel fuels can be synthesized from biomass. A
number of intermediate stages are also possible. On this basis, there
could be further rapprochement between petrol and diesel technology.
In this way, the benefits of a diesel engine, such as low
consumption, could be further expanded and combined with the very low
emissions of a petrol engine with three-way catalytic converter.
"The designer fuel can be mixed with conventional petrol or diesel
without any problems. SunFuel could therefore be introduced in a
gradual transition process.
"In order to produce SunFuel for all the diesel-engined vehicles in
Germany, it would be necessary to plant about 20 000 square
kilometres. Currently, this area is certainly not available. However,
the area of agricultural set-aside, about 10 000 square kilometres,
could be used for growing energy plants for fuel production.
"The production of synthetic fuels from natural gas is a
state-of-the-art technology. The properties of the fuel do not
change. However, this type of synthetic fuel can result in a carbon
dioxide saving if associated gas (for instance, the gas produced
together with oil, which is normally flared) is used."
Volkswagen sees hydrogen as a possible fuel of the future. However,
it will be best to combine hydrogen with fuel cell technology.
According to Dr Eichhorn, "There are still at lest three
technological barriers to overcome: the regenerative production,
storage and distribution of hydrogen. Volkswagen therefore believes
that hydrogen technology will not be used before 2015."
Hydrogen will only result in a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
if it is produced from renewable sources. However, carbon dioxide
reduction with regenerative energy production is not only possible if
elementary hydrogen is used as a fuel. SunFuel can be stored and
distributed using existing infrastructure and is less costly to
produce than hydrogen. This is why Volkswagen sees SunFuel as a
promising fuel for the future.
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