Mankind has been using many types of fuel (in one form or another) since the dawn of history. In can be argued that wood was one of the first sources, as this material is necessary to create fire; perhaps the most pivotal discovery of the ancient times.
Of course, we have discovered other types of fuel over the years and these are now absolutely essential in order to maintain the modern standard of living that we now depend on. This article will therefore discuss several topics. How many different types of fuel exist? What are their unique qualities? What is most commonly used to power vehicles? Is there any variant considered to be the "best"?
We will also examine where the entire fuel consumption industry is headed as well as what emerging technologies are set to transform the marketplace. Let’s now begin with a brief introduction.
It is first wise to describe the types of fuel using a broad definition. According to scientists, this substance is any type of material that can be transformed by external forces so that it releases some type of energy. Note that "energy fuel" can take on several different forms[1]:
All types of fuel are therefore nothing more than elements (or combinations of elements) that can be changed into a different form while releasing a quantifiable amount of energy.
This is actually a bit of a loaded question, as literally any substance that reacts with other materials to produce energy is technically considered to fall into this category. For the sake of our article, we will instead be focusing on specific types of fuel such as combustibles and propellants. The majority of these types of fuel are chemical in nature.
Solid types of fuel will often release their stored energy in the form of combustion. The most well-known example in this sense is coal. There are nonetheless a host of other alternatives including (but not limited to)[2]:
From sending a rocket into the depths of outer space to utilising a wood-burning stove to heat one’s home, these types of fuel serve a variety of purposes. Of course, we will be happy to discuss their purposes in greater detail.
Liquids will normally provide mechanical or chemical energy in the form of combustion. These types of fuel are once again quite varied in accordance with the associated application. For instance, vehicles have relied upon both petrol and diesel for decades in order to power their internal combustion engines via a fuel pump and several other mechanical devices.
These types of fuel are also unique in several ways. Surprisingly, the liquids themselves are not combustible. It is rather their vapours that are used for a source of ignition. As liquids take on the shape of the associated fuel tank, they tend to be efficient forms of medium-term energy storage.
Most of these types of fuel are actually derived from ancient fossils. There are nonetheless some unique variants (such as liquid hydrogen) which have been artificially created by man. These are often promising due to their environmentally friendly properties as well as their renewable aspects.[3]
Some types of fuel are gaseous in nature. These tend to come in the form of hydrocarbons and they are excellent sources of heat energy. Propane and butane are two types of fuel that are often seen around the home.
However, these types of fuel can be hazardous if improperly stored and they can even cause explosions. As most do not have any discernible smell, odorisers are often added so that a leak can be detected.[4]
Biofuels are yet another type of energy-producing substance that should be mentioned before moving on. As the name suggests, these types of fuel are materials that have been derived from biological processes. Some examples include[5]:
Indeed, wood itself is considered to be a biofuel. Biofuels offer a host of environmentally friendly benefits and as they can often be domestically produced, countries will not have to rely upon other regions of the world in order to maintain their stockpiles. These types of fuel can sometimes be used to power vehicles, although they are often employed as alternatives to liquid natural gas (LNG) and heating oil.[5]
These types of fuel show the most promise in regard to their long-term adoption across society. Clean energy fuels are even predicted to overtake the oil and gas sector (in terms of consumption) in the not-so-distant future.
One emerging technology that was mentioned earlier comes in the form of hydrogen. These types of fuel cells are extremely beneficial due to their environmentally friendly nature. They do not require any fossil-based substances and in theory, hydrogen offers an inexhaustible source of power. Some other notable advantages include[6]:
These are some of the reasons why hydrogen is already being used to charge and fuel the next generation of motor vehicles. Unlike liquids such as petrol and diesel, accidents such as spills and even intentional fuel dumping are no longer hazards.
These types of fuel are also considered to represent a powerful alternative when applied within specific sectors such as traffic technologies. For instance, hydrogen fuel cells can be used as a form of backup power in the event that mains electricity is suddenly unavailable. Fuel cells may also be employed within real-time CCTV cameras, computers and even mobile phone repeating towers.[7]
We have already seen that there are many types of fuel which we have come to rely upon. However, some may soon represent vestiges of the past. Certain types of fuel (such as those produced by fossils) are being phased out in favour of renewable energy.
Efficiency will also play a role in the form of automated fuel management systems that help to increase efficiency while reducing harmful emissions. There are even some industry analysts who believe that a novel type of power generation involving a process known as cold fusion may become a reality in the future.[8]
Mankind has discovered and invented numerous types of fuel over the years and the chances are high that even more unique alternatives will come to light as technology continues to progress. Our aim is therefore to remain one step ahead of the curve in order to provide our customers with the most relevant solutions at the appropriate times.
Do you wish to learn more about new types of fuel like hydrogen and the characteristics of fuel cells? If so, please contact us directly and speak with a representative.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_fuel
[3] https://cws.auburn.edu/shared/files?id=227&filename=Flammable%20Liquids.pdf
[4] https://www.odorizationbymrr.com/about-odorization/
[5] https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_benefits.html
[6] https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-hydrogen-fuel-cells
[7] https://www.cleanegroup.org/wp-content/uploads/Fuel-Cells-for-Resilient-Power-Case-Studies-2015.pdf
[8] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/dec/12/breakthrough-in-nuclear-fusion-could-mean-near-limitless-energy
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