Environmental Science Phase 4 Individual Project - Essay Example

CAR FUELS A. Natural Gas Some individuals will that people should just operate their present automobiles on natural gas. This fuel source is a lot cleaner than diesel and would aid in the riddance of unwanted air pollutants, but the truth lies that they are still fossil fuels, their presence on this Earth is already slowly extinguishing (Hoffmann, 2002). Add the fact that natural gas fuels still emit pollutants. In fact, the burning process of any fuel equates to certain pollutant outputs. B. Electric-powered CarsElectric automobiles possess many benefits over inner burning engines, which include being free from emitting pollutants, being more powerful, and having minimal movable components that subsequently tire out get worn down.

The disadvantages with the batteries of electric cars, however, include their range, long recharging process and huge dimensions. The short distance travel, normally about 100 miles maximum, makes it impossible for electric cars to be tested in long travels due to the minimum of 5 hours recharging (Lee, 2007). C. Fuel CellsThere are various kinds of fuel cells, but the one best applicable for automobiles is pertained to as the (PEM) fuel cell. Some of its primary aspects are its capacity to ignite the engine immediately and to function at the worst conditions, which is very beneficial due to the fact that it does not consume much energy in order to function.

However, the efficiency of fuel-cell-powered vehicles is hindered by the level of fuel in its tank (Sterrett, 1994). Most fuel cells for cars are also complicated and weigh heavily: a tremendous disadvantage for automobiles. D. Hydrogen Fuel: The Best ChoiceThe most recommended alternative fuel for cars that does not cause pollution is the hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen fuel possesses tremendous potential as a fuel source for the next hybrid of automobiles. They do not possess limitations like what normal car batteries have.

Hydrogen is burned by a chemical process that does not cause pollution. Hydrogen fuel basically integrates hydrogen and oxygen in the chemical process that equates into electric power and water as end products. Add the fact that hydrogen is the present in every surface of the Earth. Because of these excellent qualities, hydrogen has normally been pertained to as the best fuel source available on Earth. Its primary reserve in this planet is water which is also abundant everywhere (Poole, 1992).

The utilization of hydrogen as a fuel source for cars perfectly coexists with the environment, and not harmful. It is very impossible for Earth not have supplies of hydrogen. ConclusionHydrogen fuel is the recommended choice of alternative fuel for cars in place of pollutant-packed, gas-powered automobiles for the following reasons: (1) the automobiles are totally free from emitting any pollutants, (2) the hydrogen fuel contains no movable components, (3) hydrogen is widely present on Earth, (4) the automobiles can function even in harsh temperatures, (5) the hydrogen fuel cell is solid and easy to handle, (6) the automobiles are estimated to be more than 2 times as powerful as gas-powered automobiles, (7) the autos will be able to travel unbelievable distances, (8) the hydrogen tanks can be reloaded with fuel immediately, and (9) hydrogen is free from hazards, has been subjected to studies thoroughly for utilization in cars, and is being utilized in plenty of cars at present.

REFERENCESHoffmann, P, 2002. Tomorrows Energy: Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and the Prospects for a Cleaner Planet. The MIT PressLee, S, 2007. Handbook of Alternative Fuel Technologies. CRCPoole, A, 1992. Renewable Energy: Sources For Fuels And Electricity. Island Press; 1st editionSterrett, F, 1994. Alternative Fuels and the Environment. CRC