Fuelling a change

The possibilities of finding an alternative fuel to diesel are examined. The history of the development of biofuels is traced. Although 10 per cent of standard blend pump diesel is now biofuel there is insufficient arable land in the UK to support its widespread use. Volvo have undertaken a number of trials with alternative fuels in their trucks and a 2 year project is proposed which will have 14 trucks running on bio-DME (dimethylether). Bio-DME is produced from forestry waste and is said to provide the same energy density as diesel but with a significant volume of timber being required it is unlikely to be a global solution. It is suggested that in the UK bio-methane sourced from rubbish might be a more viable solution. Putting organic waste into digesters should produce enough bio-methane to power half of the UK's truck fleet.The use of biofuels by diesel engines and the modifications that would be required are discussed. The multifuel approach is considered and prototypes currently on trial are noted including a bus with a multifuel-capable turbine powering a hybrid driveline and T T Engines' detonation cycle gas turbine which can be used with a mechanical transmission or hybrid driveline. The possibilities for using hydrogen are briefly considered.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: 19-21
  • Serial:
    • FREIGHT
    • Volume: 42
    • Issue Number: 11
    • Publisher: Freight Transport Association
    • ISSN: 0016-0849

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01153135
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Mar 23 2010 9:18AM