Finding the Alternatives

These days, talk of alternative energy sources is everywhere. From solar heating to wind-generated electricity to hydrogen-powered cars, innovators are seeking new ways to power our cars and homes.

Fast Food = Future Fuel?

One of the lesser-known alternative energy sources is biodiesel. Whereas traditional diesel fuel is created from petroleum, biodiesel is made from vegetable or animal fats and oils.

Through a process called esterification, the oils and fats are collected and combined with an alcohol and a catalyst to create the basis for the fuel.

Biodiesel is typically used in combination with regular diesel fuel. The most common blend - 20% biodiesel and 80% regular diesel - is known as B20. Most engines can easily take the switch from regular diesel to B20, with little effect on fuel economy or power.

Soy what?

The benefits of biodiesel are easy to spot (and smell). Biodiesel engines burn cleaner that standard diesel engines, with dramatic reductions in emissions of many substances that lead to damage to both human health and air quality.

Biodiesel also uses renewable crops already produced in the United States. The flash point is low, so the fuel won't spontaneously combust. And rumor has it that the exhaust from biodiesel engines has a distinct odor of french fries....

Naturally, biodiesel isn't perfect. NO2 emissions, known to contribute to the formation of low-level smog and ozone, are typically higher in biodiesel engines. At this point, the fuel is more expensive than traditional fuel, as well.

But while researchers still have questions on the long-term effects on engines and other car parts, most agree that biodiesel holds a lot of promise.

Schools Hop On Board

The academic community continues to be a strong supporter of biodiesel. School districts in Illinois, Georgia, Idaho and other states have already made the switch.

One California school has gone a step further. At Madison High School in San Diego, automotive instructor Greg Quirin encourages his students to research biodiesel in the most hands-on way possible: by making it themselves.

Two years ago, Greg first introduced his spring unit on alternative fuels. In the beginning, his students didn't really understand the point of the unit. Why spend the time making fuel when you can just go to the gas station?

But as Greg states, "The bottom line is that fossil fuels aren't going to be around forever, and [biodiesel] is another alternative."

Photo: © 2002, Greg Quirin

Greg teamed his advanced automotive class with several honors chemistry students. With a little practice, students were producing viable fuel within a few months.

These days, Mr. Quirin commutes in his "Veggie Volvo," powered entirely by Madison High School biodiesel. The fuel that the students produce isn't as pure as commercial blends, but it certainly works.

Best of all, students have a genuine sense of accomplishment in their work, as they see - and smell - the fruits of their labor.