SWUTC Research Project Description

Title of Project: Bio and Alternative Fuels for Texas A Guidebook to Innovative New Fueling Options

Project Number:  169301 (continuation of SWUTC Project #167370)

Principal Investigator:
Sharon Boxill
(713) 313-7284
P.I. Affiliation:  Texas Southern University
boxill_sa@tsu.edu

Project Monitor:
Shelley Whitworth
Air Quality Program Manager
Houston Galveston Area Council
3555 Timmons Lane, Houston, Tx.
713-627-3200

Project Status:  Active

Date Started:  9/1/08

Estimation Completion Date:  8/31/09

Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal:  $35,500

Estimated Cost - Total Planned:  $81,897

Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
With todays record high oil prices the need for alternative and cost effective means for consumers to fuel their vehicles is an issue at the forefront of many minds. The potential for biofuels and other alternative fuel systems to provide clean energy and reduce dependence on petroleum for energy supply is a topic that research needs to address. This project will take the findings of the previous study “Biofuels for Texas Workshop and Alternative Fuel Source Demonstration” and continue to broaden the information base with regard to production, implementation, market place positioning of bio and alternative fuels sources and techniques for consumer use. At the end of this research it is expected that a guidebook of alternative and innovative means for powering vehicles will be produced that can be used by the industry to reference current trends and as a jumpstart to initiate new methods for vehicle fueling.

Project Objectives:
The goal of this research is to create a reference guidebook that can be used by industry as a reference point in the initial or ongoing search for an alternative means of fueling or powering vehicles for private or public use.  The objective of the guidebook that will result from this research is to ultimately add to the growing body of literature with regard to the use and implementation of bio and alternative fuels in a way that will be a timely reference as well as a starting point for continued research and investigation.

Task Descriptions:
Task 1:  Literature Review
This task will make a thorough study of the current literature and activities that are ongoing to find alternative means to fuel or power vehicles.

Task 2:  Comprehensive List of Alternative Fuels
Task 2 will compile a comprehensive list of all alternative fuels in use and the innovative processes being used to develop alternative fuels.

Task 3:  Comprehensive List of Alternative Means for Powering Vehicles
In this task another list will be generated to document the alternative and innovative means being used and developed to power vehicles such as solar power.

Task 4:  Document Best Practices
With the performance of tasks 1-3 a review will be generated of industry best practices will be added to the information and compiled with the completed document.

Task 5:  Final Report
The final report will be a guidebook of alternative and innovative means for powering vehicles.

Index Terms:
Alternate fuels, Cost effectiveness, Biomass fuels, Fuel costs, Guidelines, Energy consumption, Energy conversion, Research projects