The+science+and+engineering+behind+the+techology

Since we are comparing __biofuel__ against __fossil fuels__ (petroleum, natural gas), we might as well describe how each energy source works. They are actually quite similar.

The BIGGEST similarity between the two is that they BURN things.

When we use fossil fuels, we 1) BURN petroleum and natural gas (i.e. hydrocarbons of various lengths). 2) heat up water to make steam 3) use the high pressure steam to turn turbines 4) the turbines turn the generators 5) the generators give you electricity (source: http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/fossil.htm)

When we use BIOfuels, we 0) Produce ethanol (or other types of fuel) with some process (e.g. fermentation of corn to produce ethanol) 1) BURN the ethanol (or other types of fuel) 2) 3) 4) 5) - same as above (source: http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/biomass.htm)

There are other energy sources that do not involve burning (wind, solar, hydro), but I'm guessing we won't consider those. (http://www.nucleartourist.com/basics/why.htm) Coal is also a type of fossil fuel... should we ignore coal because it's just so horrible for the environment?

Because both fossil fuels and biofuels burn, they WILL produce CARBON DIOXIDE.

Some key questions that need to be answered: 1) What are the different types of biofuels that are commonly used? Ethanol, biodiesel 2) How are they produced? todo 3) How much carbon dioxide is emitted when biofuel and fossil fuels are burned? todo 4) How much carbon dioxide is ABSORBED when corn (or other types of biomass) is being grown? todo


 * KEY ADVANTAGES for

BIOIFUEL -renewable || KEY DISADVANTAGES for

BIOFUEL -requires lots of farming land || -relatively cheap and efficient || FOSSIL FUEL -non renewable ||
 * FOSSIL FUEL