On the other side of the ethanol discussion are the pros that these biofuels offer. However, there are some engine technologies of some cars, that lessen the effect of lower mileage. There is an energy cost issue to consider with ethanol. When you increase the percentage of ethanol in the fuel, then this disadvantage continues to rise. 1. When ethanol production began to skyrocket after the 1990s, there was an appreciable climb that began that has never really stopped. Cornell University found that the average acre of corn in the United States yields about 7,100 pounds of product for processing. The Advantages of Biofuels over Fossil Fuels. For example, ethanol is likely to be cheaper in the Midwest where more corn is being grown. As gas prices continue to increase, methanol and ethanol fuel become much better deals. It is common knowledge in today’s society that vehicles are a big contributor to the overall carbon emissions. In this article, the pros and cons of biofuels are examined. About 1 metric ton of the by-product can actually replace about 1.25 tons of cornmeal when using it for food stocks. Ethanol Pros Reduction of greenhouse gases The increasing preference for ethanol over gasoline is that ethanol leads to a reduction in greenhouse gases. Over 40% of the corn that farmers produce in the United States goes to the ethanol industry. At that time, the cost to produce gasoline was only $0.95 per gallon. Biodiesel vs. Ethanol: What's Better for the Environment? Fluctuation in price has always been a variable from the past years that ethanol was produced and used. When you consider the planting, growing, and harvesting costs, then about 140 gallons of fuel are necessary to create this product at a cost of $347 per acre. Then the enzyme glucoamylase gets added to the product so that the fermentation process starts. One disadvantage of ethanol fuel is that it has been reported to cause engine burns and corrosion. An ethanol fuel cell is an alternative to a traditional internal combustion engine. Government requirements for ethanol percentages in fuel is still a … Greener Fuel ProductionEthanol production creates less greenhouse emissions than other fuels. We can even use grass or algae to create this product, which would make it an even more sustainable fuel to consider using for our transportation needs. Ethanol tends to evaporate and cause smog. We can use ethanol with traditional gasoline, by itself, or in a variety of different ways thanks to the infrastructure we already have. Ethanol fuel, on the other hand, can work in a standard gasoline engine without any adjustment. While the new fuel mixture is considered controversial by many, it’s important to understand what ethanol fuel is, and how it works to really understand the pros and cons of the new ethanol/gas mixture. That means it is an industry that can stand on its own while providing significant contributions to the GDP. Lower MileageEthanol naturally holds less energy than gasoline. Author: Chris Andrews. In addition to being one of the main pros associated with ethanol fuel, the fact that the corn can be grown in the United States is also one of the primary cons.For example, if a widespread drought were to occur, corn would become scarce, resulting in an increase in fuel prices. It is an issue that could even decrease the amount of global food availability there is if this issue is allowed to operate on market forces. The fuel stations that exist to serve drivers and other needs already have the capability to distribute this product. The reason being that ethanol decreases the mileage of a car. This is because the Producers in this industry received a $0.45 per gallon subsidy prior to 2012. 3 Cons of Ethanol Fuel. That means the biofuel market still receives a form of subsidization because consumers don’t have a choice about using this product. It works as a product for pneumatic systems as well. Production of ethanol raises corn prices. Ethanol is less efficient than gasoline and cuts mileage by about 4%. 1. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 7 Scriptural Prayers for Spiritual Growth, To Be Absent from the Body Is to Be Present with the Lord Meaning (KJV), 10 Powerful Prayers for the Forgiveness of Others, God Is Not the Author of Confusion Meaning (KJV). This has lead some companies to look at ways of reducing the processing costs as well as the environmental impact. Gasoline produces carbon dioxide as a by-product, which is harmful to the environment. Which of them offers the better solution as a fuel? 2. It also reduces your VOC exhaust emissions by 12% while offering a 35% and 30% reduction in carbon dioxide and toxicity emissions respectively. Ethanol is also greener than gasoline, because corn and other plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. The United States consumes a lot of corn to produce ethanol. 2. We can also use ethanol to create items like dry ice. Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Cars, Flex Fuel Vehicles: Advantages and Disadvantages. When the fuel and oxygen pass through the electrolytes and are mixed, energy is produced. Therefore, dehydration is another stage by which the process is furthered to produce the end product. Fluctuating PriceThe price to fill up on ethanol varies greatly and fluctuates differently from gasoline. E85 EthanolE85 Ethanol is a mix of ethanol and gasoline. Once this process is complete, the process of dehydration takes place. Distilling the MixtureIn order for ethanol to become a viable fuel, the water within its structure has to be removed. When we look at the final cost to produce ethanol from corn, then it is $1.74 per gallon according to figures released in 2009. That means that agricultural workers who grow products to make ethanol can’t afford to use the fuel they help to create if they want to create a sustainable business. The Production ProcessThe process of creating ethanol as a fuel begins with microbial fermentation of natural sugars. One side contains a hydrogen based fuel, in this case ethanol, and the other is oxygen-based. Pros Greenhouse Gas Reduction - Corn-based ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 18% to 29% per vehicle mile traveled compared to petroleum-based fuels. When you compare the effectiveness of ethanol from any source to that of standard gasoline, then you will receive 40% less energy on a full tank. All ethanol must be made unfit for human consumption. Over 40% of the corn that farmers produce in the United States goes to the ethanol ... 2. Even though there are more production steps involved in the refinement of ethanol when compared to gasoline, there is still a significant environmental benefit to consider. What Is the Difference between a Hybrid Car and an Electric Car. E85 vehicles can use an 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline mixture as well. CorrosionMethanol fuel does need additives to work in a car engine, otherwise it can cause corrosion. Like earlier said, the pros of the ethanol fireplace exceed the cons. It is a corrosive fuel. In a fuel cell there are two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by a proton exchange membrane. Ethanol Pros & Cons in Automotive Gas . It could corrode the metal from the inside, creating a potentially expensive repair to manage. There is a Fluctuation in Price. Methanol is a great deal safer, largely due to the fact that it's far less flammable. The Ethanol Fireplace Pros. 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