Researchers from Germany and Switzerland have presented a new class of synthetic fuels. The so-called HyFit diesel fuels could help reduce CO2 and fine dust emissions from trucks in heavy-duty transport.
Researchers from RWTH Aachen, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion and ETH Zurich have presented a new class of synthetic fuels as part of an interdisciplinary study. These are diesel fuels that could help reduce CO2 and particulate matter emissions from heavy-duty trucks.
Diesel with alcohol: What is HyFiT?
The abbreviation HyFiT stands for hydroformylated Fischer-Tropsch fuels. These are diesel fuels with a specific chemical composition. The so-called Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a chemical process in which synthetic fuels are produced from, among other things, hydrogen, carbon monoxide or methanol.
However, this process has so far been relatively inefficient and expensive on an industrial scale. Researchers at the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH) have therefore investigatedwhether the chemical composition of synthetic diesel from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis can be optimized.
Background: The classic Fischer-Tropsch synthesis creates a liquid that is very close to natural fossil petroleum and contains various hydrocarbons, including alkanes and olefins. In order to use the liquid as fuel, the diesel, which consists predominantly of alkanes, must first be distilled out.
The olefins also contained can be converted into alkanes and alcohols by hydroformylation. According to the researchers, the alcohol content can be controlled by the proportion of olefins. Therefore, optimization could influence the chemical composition of the synthetic HyFiT diesel.
CO2 footprint like an electric car?
The researchers have theirs Study in the specialist magazine Nature published. They first investigated to what extent the alcohol content influences the density and volume of the HyFiT diesel and whether the composition is suitable for conventional diesel engines.
They then tested a truck with different chemical compositions of the synthetic fuel and measured the CO2 and particulate matter emissions at different speeds and in different driving situations.
The result: With an alcohol content of 20 to 40 percent, the HyFiT diesel would be very suitable for everyday use. While CO2 emissions only fell by three to five percent, the measurements showed a reduction of up to 70 percent in fine dust emissions.
If the synthetic diesel is produced from biomass, the environmental impact for journeys of over 550 kilometers is even lower than with an electric truck. However, the researchers emphasize that the HyFiT diesel is by no means a competing solution, but rather a complementary solution for certain areas of application where there are few alternatives. In order to be efficient, the fuel depends on raw materials and renewable energies.
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The article HyFiT: Diesel diluted with alcohol should reduce CO2 emissions and particulate matter by Fabian Peters first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a tech industry expert, I would approach the idea of using HyFiT (Diesel diluted with alcohol) to reduce CO2 emissions and particulate matter with caution. While it is true that blending diesel with alcohol can potentially lower emissions, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, the efficiency and effectiveness of HyFiT would depend on the type and concentration of alcohol used in the blend. Different alcohols have varying combustion properties and emissions profiles, so it is important to carefully select the right alcohol for the desired outcome.
Additionally, the impact of HyFiT on engine performance and durability must be thoroughly studied. Alcohol blends can affect engine components and fuel system compatibility, potentially leading to increased maintenance costs and decreased engine lifespan.
Furthermore, the overall sustainability of using alcohol as a diesel additive should be evaluated. Alcohol production can have its own environmental impacts, such as water usage, land conversion, and greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential to consider the full life cycle emissions of HyFiT to ensure that it is a truly sustainable solution.
In conclusion, while HyFiT has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and particulate matter, it is important to conduct comprehensive research and testing to assess its feasibility, effectiveness, and overall environmental impact before widespread implementation in the transportation sector.
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