Newswise — "The lack of significant increases in federal fuel economy standards during the past 20 years has lead to us driving very heavy and inefficient vehicles. Now we're stuck, and we have a lot of catching up to do."
So says Dr. Krishan Kumar Bhatia, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, who currently is working on a number of projects related to alternative energy sources. These projects include development of low-cost hydrogen and liquid hydrocarbon fuel cells, implementation of biodiesel-based fuels in heavy-duty vehicles and removing barriers in New Jersey to entry in the wind energy field.
Bhatia believes that much more research and government incentives are needed to make these alternative technologies viable and cost effective.
As for the recent increase in gasoline prices, Bhatia is less optimistic for a short-term solution. According to Bhatia, several petroleum-free technologies exist as long-term solutions. However, in the short term, the only way to lower U.S. fuel costs is to consume less. "While alternative technologies are very promising in the future, ultimately, the single best thing you can do right now is to change your lifestyle. That means drive less and drive a smaller car," he said.
Bhatia received his B.M.E. from the University of Delaware and his M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. His graduate work focused on hydrogen fuel cells for transportation applications and hybrid electric vehicles.
A colleague of Bhatia, John Imperatore, PE, director of Facilities, Resource Management at Rowan University, currently is working on a number of projects related to reducing energy use, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions for the campus. These include energy management, planning and conservation as well as exploring ways to become a sustainable campus.
Imperatore believes that only slight changes in behavior will occur as a result of recent increases in gasoline prices. As gasoline prices continue to increase incrementally, corresponding discretionary expense reductions will continue resulting in slight lifestyle changes such as modest trip reduction and some reduced recreational fuel use. Only when the situation becomes extreme will it become widely and clearly understood that, given the current global tensions, a long-term energy solution is needed—one that simultaneously protects the environment.
"We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels through conservation and investing in alternative energy technologies," Imperatore said.
The State of New Jersey recently launched its "Clean Energy Choice Program" to give consumers a mechanism to support and invest in renewable energy resources and the future. Take public transportation when possible, avoid unnecessary trips, and start saying NO to fossil fuels by supporting clean energy technologies, Imperatore said.
Imperatore received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University, and is continuing his graduate studies in engineering, focusing on sustainability, at Rowan. He is a professional engineer licensed in New Jersey, and has more than 20 years of experience in facilities management.
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