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UC Irvine's computer model sees positive results in alternative fuels
STREET demonstrates improvement in air quality in 2060.
By Kristen SchottPublished: November 17, 2009 11:05 AM
Photo courtesy of UCIAlternative transportation fuels could have a positive effect on the future environment, according to a UC Irvine computer model called the Spatially & Temporally Resolved Energy & Environment Tool – or STREET.
The model looked ahead into the year 2060, and 75 percent of drivers in the greater L.A. area have hydrogen-fuel-cell autos that emit only water vapor, according to STREET. Air quality also showed an improvement, and greenhouse gas emissions were 60 percent lower than in 2009. Microscopic soot and ozone levels fell, as well.
"For the first time, we can look at these future fuel scenarios and say how they're going to impact things like ozone and particulate matter, which have severe effects on people's lungs and quality of life," says Shane Stephens-Romero, a UCI doctoral candidate in the Advanced Power & Energy Program, who developed the model and performed the 2060 analysis, which recently appeared online in Environmental Science & Technology.
Stephens-Romero's study is the first peer-reviewed test of the model, according to UCI, and it's garnered attention from California policymakers and auto industry officials who are trying to implement alternative fuels into the transportation industry.
His work has received accolades from Toyota, Honda, General Motors and the California Air Resources Board, among others, according to Scott Samuelson, director of the Advanced Power & Energy Program.
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Photo courtesy of UCI The model looked ahead into the year 2060, and 75 percent of drivers in the greater L.A. area have hydrogen-fuel-cell autos that emit only water vapor, according to STREET. Air quality also showed an improvement, and greenhouse gas emissions were 60 percent lower than in 2009. Microscopic soot and ozone levels fell, as well. "For the first time, we can look at these future fuel scenarios and say how they're going to impact things like ozone and particulate matter, which have severe effects on people's lungs and quality of life," says Shane Stephens-Romero, a UCI doctoral candidate in the Advanced Power & Energy Program, who developed the model and performed the 2060 analysis, which recently appeared online in Environmental Science & Technology. Stephens-Romero's study is the first peer-reviewed test of the model, according to UCI, and it's garnered attention from California policymakers and auto industry officials who are trying to implement alternative fuels into the transportation industry. His work has received accolades from Toyota, Honda, General Motors and the California Air Resources Board, among others, according to Scott Samuelson, director of the Advanced Power & Energy Program. NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines OCTA shuttles in bus service reductions Irvine's Quantum ships diesel hybrids to U.S. Army Irvine's Quantum introduces diesel hybrid electric drive system Irvine's BlueFire Ethanol funding moves to next phase |
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