E85
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==What is E85?== | ==What is E85?== | ||
| − | E85 is a fuel mixture that typically contains 85% denatured ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol) is the "alcohol" found in alcoholic beverages. "Denatured" means that it has been made toxic or undrinkable, often by adding methanol or denatonium, to give it a very bitter taste | + | E85 is a fuel mixture that typically contains 85% denatured ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol) is the "alcohol" found in alcoholic beverages. "Denatured" means that it has been made toxic or undrinkable, often by adding methanol or denatonium, to give it a very bitter taste. This minimizes the drug value of the alcohol, and also allows it to avoid being subject to alcohol taxes. |
| − | In the United States, ethanol is derived mainly from corn. There are about 1, | + | In the United States, ethanol is derived mainly from corn. There are about 1,200 gas stations in America selling E85 fuel. Most of them are located in the Midwest, where corn is a staple crop. |
==E85 vs. Gasoline== | ==E85 vs. Gasoline== | ||
| − | E85 provides horsepower that is comparable to gasoline. | + | E85 provides horsepower that is comparable to gasoline. Its octane rating is about 100 to 105. This means that it can be used in higher-compression engines, which could lower emissions (confirm and expand this). However, E85 gets about 25% fewer miles per gallon than regular gasoline, and it contains less energy per volume than gasoline. |
==Benefits of E85== | ==Benefits of E85== | ||
*As a "renewable" energy source, E85 has the potential to offer decreased reliance on foreign energy. As it develops further, it may also be able to demonstrate decreased carbon emissions when compared to standard gasoline. | *As a "renewable" energy source, E85 has the potential to offer decreased reliance on foreign energy. As it develops further, it may also be able to demonstrate decreased carbon emissions when compared to standard gasoline. | ||
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*According to the US Department of Energy, ethanol has a "positive energy return". This means that it produces more energy than it consumes in its manufacturing process. The same is not true of gasoline. | *According to the US Department of Energy, ethanol has a "positive energy return". This means that it produces more energy than it consumes in its manufacturing process. The same is not true of gasoline. | ||
==Damage caused by using E85 in an engine== | ==Damage caused by using E85 in an engine== | ||
| − | *Prolonged exposure to ethanol | + | *Prolonged exposure to ethanol corrodes metal and rubber parts that are designed to be used with gasoline. |
*Use of fuel with more than 10% ethanol content will void most car manufacturers' warranties. | *Use of fuel with more than 10% ethanol content will void most car manufacturers' warranties. | ||
*Water contamination of fuel is exacerbated by the presence of ethanol. | *Water contamination of fuel is exacerbated by the presence of ethanol. | ||
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==Economic concerns from E85 use== | ==Economic concerns from E85 use== | ||
| − | *Ethanol production will increase the cost of corn, and the cost of food products that contain corn. | + | *Ethanol production will increase the cost of corn, and the cost of food products that contain corn, or rely on corn for their production (such as beef). |
*Ethanol production consumes large amounts of water. | *Ethanol production consumes large amounts of water. | ||
*The cost of "converting" existing vehicles to run on E85. | *The cost of "converting" existing vehicles to run on E85. | ||
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===Carbureted engines=== | ===Carbureted engines=== | ||
*All fuel and air passages must be enlarged. | *All fuel and air passages must be enlarged. | ||
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===Fuel injected engines=== | ===Fuel injected engines=== | ||
| + | Need more details on this. | ||
==Switchgrass== | ==Switchgrass== | ||
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