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Using 2nd generation biofuel is not the only way to reduce harmful emissions and preserve precious non-renewable fuel resources. Several engineering solutions are already being explored and new green technologies are continuously evolving. Some examples are:

hybrid vehicles: which harness two or more energy sources and consequently reduce both emissions and fuel use;

electric cars: which run entirely on rechargeable, battery-operated electric motors and have zero emissions but generally low top speeds and ranges, making them ideal for short journeys or city driving but not for racing at present;

solar powered cars: capture this renewable energy through solar roof panels and convert it to electricity (making them essentially electric vehicles);

and fuel cell cars: which utilise the energy derived from chemical reactions (usually involving Hydrogen as the ‘fuel’) to propel the vehicle by converting it to electrical energy.

Of these, hybrid vehicles currently seem to offer the most realistic alternative to conventional fuel-driven cars. The following is a brief overview of hybrid technology as it stands today.

Hybrid Vehicles: One of the most fertile areas of development in green transport technology is that of hybrid vehicles. A hybrid vehicle runs by utilising two or more energy sources, thus reducing the dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel. Although it may currently be a very ‘hot’ technology, hybrids have been produced for some time - the moped, which uses petrol and pedal power, being a well known example.

With cars, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) typically employs a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), e.g. a battery, and fuel as its energy sources. An HEV can be one of three types:

1) Series hybrid: where the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) produces electrical energy which then powers the motor i.e.

2) Parallel hybrid: where the engine or the battery powered drive-train power the wheels i.e.


3) Plug-in hybrid: a petrol-electric vehicle which carries a rechargeable battery pack.

With series and parallel hybrids, when energy is produced and not needed it is stored in readiness for when it is required, such as during acceleration.

HEVs often use regenerative braking systems or Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) to harness the kinetic energy produced by the friction created during braking which is usually lost as heat. Regenerative braking serves to capture this energy and either reuse it or store it for future use in, for example, batteries.

Since hybrids not only use less fuel but also create and store new energy, it is clear to see why they are more environmentally friendly than petrol cars since they both reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Combining renewable biofuels with hybrid technology would obviously increase this positive environmental impact greatly.

Putting theory into practice: Hybrid cars are already on the market for the general consumer (e.g. the Toyota Prius) and are beginning to be taken seriously in the motor racing industry.

With the introduction of KERS into Formula One Racing from 2009, Max Mosley, head of the F1 governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), set out a five year plan of introduction of KERS with a view to make all F1 racing cars hybrid by 2013 (1, 2).

On September 13th 2008, the governing body of the Le Mans Series, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (AOC) declared that LMP1 hybrid cars only would be able to race in some of the Le Mans Series races from 2009, but would be unclassified (3). They will be able to take part in all Le Mans races from 2010. At the Le Mans Series race at Silverstone that same weekend, Peugeot unveiled its’ hybrid 908 HDi FAP racing car (4) which it aims to run at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 2009, despite being unclassified and therefore unable to be placed.

Meanwhile, in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which pioneers green racing, the inaugural 2008 Green Challenge at Road Atlanta will see the debut of the LMP1 Zytek/Corsa Hybrid - an ethanol-fuelled ICE/electric motor hybrid which utilises KERS (5).


Main source: http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/

References:

(1) http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66676
(2) http://priuschat.com/forums/other-cars/45902-fia-sets
-out-kers-plans-f1-racing.html
(3) http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/ressources/pdf/
silverstone08_regl09_gb.pdf
(4)http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/
First-Official-Pictures/Peugeot-Unveils-Hybrid-Le-Mans-Racer
(5) http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=4732

 

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