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Alternative propulsion

Hybrid vehicles

Alternative propulsion is a term used frequently for power train concepts differing to the standard internal combustion engine concept used in gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles.

Definition

The term alternative propulsion or "alternate methods of propulsion" includes both

• alternative fuels used in standard or modified internal combustion engines
• propulsion systems not based on internal combustion, such as those based on electricity (for example, electric vehicles), compressed air, or fuel cells

Motivation

The motivation for the research in alternative propulsion in transport is primarily to achieve more sustainable methods of transportation than those relying on fossil fuels.

Application fields

Most work in alternative propulsion concepts is focused on replacing traditional internal combusion engines in automobiles. Several contests, such as Michelin's Challenge Bibendum and the North American Solar Challenge, are designed to provide motivations for effective concepts utlizing alternative propulsion. Hybrid vehicles, which combine an internal combustion engine with an alternative system, are perhaps the most visible example of alternative propulsion systems in use today.

Alternative propulsion is not limited to automobiles, however; it can also apply to types of spacecraft propulsion beyond solid- or liquid-fueled rockets. Propulsion methods such as the ion thruster and solar sail are examples of alternative propulsion options for spacecraft.

Criteria for successful application of alternative propulsion

In order to supplant traditional propulsion systems, alternative propulsion systems must be able to equal or exceed the performance and convenience of traditional systems in several areas:

• operating radius
• acceleration and top speed
• stability of the stored energy (degradation over time, losses or leakages)
• refueling procedure
• environmental effects (minimizing odor, noise, vibrations, radiation, emission of noxious substances, etc.)

See also

• Low-energy vehicle

External links

• Sustainable Green Fleets EU-sponsored Dissemination project for alternative propelled cars and alternative fuels
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Training National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, West Virginia University U.S.
• Alternative Propulsion Strategy at General Motors
• Alternative Propulsion at Opel: Hydrogen Cars
• Berlin Environmental Challenges for Alternative Propulsion Systems Reinhard Kolke Umweltbundesamt Lecture (pdf) at the Well-to-Wheels Conference 2001 14-16 May 2001, Nice
• Green Progress Alternative Transportation Technology

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