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ORNL study finds best current use of natural gas for cars is efficient production of electricity for EVs

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However, they also noted, high PTW efficiencies and the moderate fuel economies of current compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs) make them a viable option as well. If CNG were to be eventually used in hybrids, the advantage of the electric generation/EV option shrinks. Their open access paper is published in the journal Energy.

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USDA closes on $105M loan guarantee to Fulcrum for biorefinery converting municipal waste to renewable jet fuel; first USDA loan for biojet

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Fulcrum will gasify 147,000 tons of municipal solid waste to produce synthesis gas which it then will catalytically convert to synthetic paraffinic kerosene/jet fuel via a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process. A venturi scrubber captures and removes any entrained particulate, and the syngas is further cooled in a packed gas cooler scrubber.

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KU Leuven team creates solar panel that produces hydrogen from moisture in air

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Bioscience engineers at KU Leuven have created a solar panel that produces hydrogen gas from moisture in the air. Twenty of these solar panels could provide electricity and heat for one family for an entire winter. A traditional solar panel converts between 18 to 20% of the solar energy into electricity.

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Audi introduces new CNG A3 Sportback

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Audi is adding a new member to its A3 family: the A3 Sportback 30 g-tron natural gas vehicle. Operation with natural gas or biomethane makes the compact model economical and more climate-friendly with low emissions. Audi first introduced an A3 Sportback g-tron in 2014. The inner layer is a gas-tight polyamide vessel.

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MIT Energy Initiative announces 2014 seed grant awards

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In addition, this year’s call sought to promote submissions on two particular themes: natural gas monetization and materials for energy. They can thus be optimized for applications such as carbon capture, wastewater filtration, and natural gas storage, and for use in devices including fuel cells, rechargeable batteries, and solar cells.

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Nissan introduces 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid SUV with FF hybrid system; 24% improvement in fuel economy over conventional

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2014 Pathfinder Hybrid. Nissan introduced the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show. liter gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a compact Li-ion battery. The 15 kW electric motor and gas engine work in tandem to provide performance similar to the conventional Pathfinder.

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Lexus introduces RC and RC hybrid sports coupes; to launch in 2H 2014

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At the Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled the new RC 350 and RC 300h hybrid variant sports coupes scheduled for launch in the second half of 2014. liter V6 gas engine produces maximum power of 314 hp at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 280 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. The hybrid is equipped with an electric continuously variable transmission.

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