by Pooh Bear <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Dec 15, 2005 at 10:52 PM
Steve wrote:
> Bret Ludwig wrote:
>
> > Alcohols are superior motor fuels in many respects to gasoline,
>
> Name ONE way they're superior. I'll name a bunch in which alcohols are
> inferior:
>
> -Lower energy content per gallon means you have to carry more.
> -Incompatible with a wider range of fuel system materials.
> -Completely different emissions spectrum (meaning you now have to worry
> about cleaning up aldehyde emissions instead of HC emissions, so
> different technology is required).
> -Almost invisible flame means you can have a raging fuel fire that can't
> be seen
> -Stupid from an energy-balance perspective. It takes more energy to
> prepare as a fuel than it releases when you burn it. When it comes to
> plant-derived fuels, at least go with a direct product such as plant
> oils- you get a better energy balance.
Alcohol does *not* require more energy to 'manufacture' compared to
gasoline. It's an 'old wives tale' that one.
Check out the FFV Saab 9-5 Biopower. Its power is significantly greater on
E85 compared to gasoline and provides similar mpg. This does require a
remap
of the ECU of course and some fuel sytem components have been upgraded for
better E85 compatability.
http://www.saab.com/main/GLOBAL/en/pressreleases/recent/4/index.xml
Graham
