Week 2 Recap

         After reviewing our preliminary research, the group had a much better handle on what we were confronting.  As we discussed the problems and benefits of each of our assigned systems, we were beginning to see why an alternative system has yet to take over the industry from gasoline.  While most people consider any other source of energy for transportation to be a leap past the fossil fuel pot hole, many of the alternative just aren't able to compete.  Allow us to whitewash gasoline for a moment and present some reasons why gasoline is the "best" choice for the industry:

• Convenience
• Replenishing the system takes minutes
• System can be used immediately whenever it is needed
• Power
• Strong enough to enable large vehicles
• Comfort
• excess heat from engine used in heating vehicles cabin
• large engines capable of running AC compressors 

          Some people are probably screaming about some of the points made above, please allow me to explain.  These pieces are not listed to suggest that no other source is capable of meeting them, but rather to point out the fundamental issue with the alternative fuel discussion: The bar has been set!  Nearing the end of it's reign over the transportation industry, gasoline was able to set the precedent that any aspiring replacement system would have to meet before it could every hope to replace it.  If it were not for the benefits that we have all come to enjoy from gasoline, we would not consider switching to an alternate a compromise or sacrifice.

          Now the question becomes:  Will the ever increasing strain of fossil fuels force the industry to shift, or will another system arise to pick up where gasoline has fallen?  This leads our group further down the rabbit hole exploring different methods of comparison between the various contenders to the forefront of the automotive industry.  We will be looking at both of the greet models along with various other sources to help us answer our question.

Assignments:

• Dan and Eric will be looking at GREET 2.7 which covers the cradle to grave cycle of the vehicles themselves
• Bryan, Tiancheng, and Ross will be looking at GREET 1 2011 which focuses on the production, transportation, implementation, and emissions of the various fuel sources