Lesson 2: Existing Fossil Fuel Technologies for Transportation
Overview
In the previous lesson, we learned that alternative fuels are a viable replacement for fossil fuels. But to make them viable, the fuels must fit into the current fuel structure and needs. This week's lesson focuses on transportation fuels - we will learn some chemistry about fuels (a short chemistry tutorial is first), how these fuels are currently made, and how these fuels are utilized. This provides a basis for understanding how alternative fuels must be chemically modified, so we do not have to make significant changes in utilization.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- explain the chemistry of gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and fuel oil;
- describe the basics of how these fuels are made by converting from crude oil;
- discuss the utilization of these fuels in cars, trucks, aircraft, and various engine types;
- evaluate necessary fuel characteristics for various vehicle engines;
Lesson 2 Road Map
This lesson will take us one week to complete. Please refer to the Course Syllabus for specific time frames and assignment due dates.
Questions?
If there is anything in the lesson materials that you would like to comment on or don't quite understand, please post your thoughts and/or questions to our Throughout the Course Questions and Comments discussion forum. The discussion forum will be checked regularly. While you are there, feel free to post responses to your classmates if you are able to help. Regular office hours will be held to provide help for EGEE 439 students.