Publication Detail
Hydrogen and Methanol: Production from Biomass and Use in Fuel Cell and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles
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UCD-ITS-RP-92-15 Presentation Series |
Suggested Citation:
DeLuchi, Mark A., Eric D. Larson, Robert H. Williams (1991) Hydrogen and Methanol: Production from Biomass and Use in Fuel Cell and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Presentation Series UCD-ITS-RP-92-15
Proceedings, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Joint Power Generation Conference, San Diego CA, PU/CEES Report No. 263
A systematic analysis is presented of the production of hydrogen and methanol from biomass and the use of these fuels in fuel cell and internal combustion engine vehicles. Comparisons are made among these options and with gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles, with regard to performance, cost, and environmental and energy security impacts. It is found that the fuel cell vehicle options offer major energy security and environmental advantages and may well be able to compete with the gasoline-based internal combustion engine on a lifecycle cost basis, despite the prospect of higher biofuels costs and higher first costs for fuel cell vehicles. While the methanol fuel cell option is likely to be less costly than the hydrogen fuel cell option and to be easier to implement, the hydrogen fuel cell option offers greater long-term energy security and environmental benefits.
A systematic analysis is presented of the production of hydrogen and methanol from biomass and the use of these fuels in fuel cell and internal combustion engine vehicles. Comparisons are made among these options and with gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles, with regard to performance, cost, and environmental and energy security impacts. It is found that the fuel cell vehicle options offer major energy security and environmental advantages and may well be able to compete with the gasoline-based internal combustion engine on a lifecycle cost basis, despite the prospect of higher biofuels costs and higher first costs for fuel cell vehicles. While the methanol fuel cell option is likely to be less costly than the hydrogen fuel cell option and to be easier to implement, the hydrogen fuel cell option offers greater long-term energy security and environmental benefits.