Transportation Fuels

Abstract

Today, most of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels: petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are used mainly in transportation and electric industries. The combustion of fossil fuels is the greatest source of atmospheric pollution. All fossil fuels release greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere. There is also a growing concern that the world may run out of petroleum-based fuel resources. The diesel engine is used mainly for heavy vehicles. The diesel process means that air is compressed in the engine and then the fuel is injected and ignited by the hot, compressed air. In the Otto cycle engine a mixture of fuel and air is compressed and is then ignited by a spark plug.