Anaerobic Digestion
A biological process in which organic material is broken down, mainly into methane and carbon dioxide.
Atmospheric Pressure
Normal air pressure at sea level (approximately 1 bar).
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is produced by the esterification of vegetable oils. Rapeseed oil and sunflower oil are the most common feedstocks in Europe. Biodiesel can be mixed with conventional diesel fuel. The hydrogenation of vegetable oils is another promising method of producing fuel for diesel engines.
Biogas
Biogas is a gaseous fuel consisting mainly of the hydrocarbon methane. Biogas can be extracted from sewage treatment plants, refuse dumps and other sources of biologically degradable material. The fuel can also be produced by biomass gasification. Since biogas, in this case compressed to 200 bars, must be burned in a spark-ignition engine, its energy efficiency is lower.
Biogas + Biodiesel
Supplied by separate tanks and injection systems, biogas and biodiesel are used in combination. A small percentage (10 percent) of biodiesel (or synthetic diesel) is used to achieve compression ignition. In this option, biogas is used in cooled, liquid form.
Biomass
Biological material from which energy can be extracted.
Black Liquor
A high-energy residual product of chemical paper pulp manufacture that’s energy content is normally recovered by burning.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Free Transport
CO2-free transport is achieved by means of vehicles powered by fuels produced from renewable feedstocks, such as biomass, that add no excess carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
CO2 Equivalents
The result of conversion of a greenhouse gas into the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide with the same greenhouse effect.
Compressed Biogas
Biogas compressed to approx. 200 bars.
Dimethylether (DME)
A gas that is handled in liquid form at low pressure, dimethylether (DME) is produced by the gasification of biomass.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the breakdown of a substance using electrical current; in this context, the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Esterefication
A chemical process in which raw vegetable oils are converted into esters and given enhanced physical properties, particularly greater stability.
Fossil Energy
Non-renewable energy from earlier geological periods, primarily oil, coal and natural gas.
Fossil Fuels
Fuels based on fossil energy, primarily oil, coal and natural gas.
Fuel potential
The amount of fuel that can be produced varies considerably depending on the particular option.
Gassification
A process in which an organic material, such as biomass, is converted into synthetic gas, a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The synthetic gas can then be used to produce various synthetic fuel constituents.
Greenhouse Effect
Long-wave radiation is prevented from escaping the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases, contributing to higher temperatures on the planet’s surface.
Greenhouse Gas
Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect; in this context, primarily carbon dioxide of fossil origin.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are reported as CO2 equivalents. In other words, emissions of greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide are converted to the equivalent quantities of carbon dioxide.
Hybrid Technology
Propulsion technology for vehicles based on two different energy converters, such as a diesel engine and an electric motor. Braking energy can be stored and returned to the electric motor.
Hydrocarbon
A chemical compound of carbon and hydrogen.
Hydrogenation
The treatment of plant oils or animal fats, primarily with hydrogen gas in a refining process, for the production of synthetic hydrocarbons.
Hydrogen + Biogas
Hydrogen gas can be mixed with biogas in low concentrations, in this case 8 percent by volume. Higher concentrations are also possible. Hydrogen gas can be produced by biomass gasification or electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. A spark-ignition engine is required.
Ignition Improver
The treatment of plant oils or animal fats, primarily with hydrogen gas in a refining process, for the production of synthetic hydrocarbons.
Liquid Biogas
Biogas that has been liquefied by cooling to approx. -165ºC.
Methane
The simplest type of hydrocarbon, and the primary constituent of biogas and natural gas.
Methanol/ Ethanol
Methanol is a product of biomass gasification, while ethanol is produced by fermentation from crops with a high sugar or starch content. Research into the production of ethanol from cellulose is under way at present. Evaluation includes methanol/ethanol with an ignition additive.
Renewable Electricity
Electricity produced from a renewable energy source, primarily hydro, biomass and wind.
Renewable Fuels
A fuel produced from a renewable source, such as biomass, hydro, wind or solar energy.
Vehicle adaptation
Different fuels require different types of vehicle adaptation.
