CATI/851202 December 1985
Multi- Fuel Engine Research Activities
1980-1985
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California State University, Fresno School of Agriculture and Home Economics Department of Industrial Technology Fresno, California 93740 PREFACE
The California Agricultural Technology Institute (CATI) provides a bridge between development of new technology and its use. Through the Institute, farmers and others involved in agriculture become familiar with new techniques and discoveries. CATI also serves to communicate the need and interests of agribusiness to those involved in the exploration and development of new agricultural technologies.
CATI is located at California State University, Fresno (CSUF), in the heart of the "Agribusiness Capital of the World".
Fresno County is the richest agricultural area in the country. It consistently ranks among the top producers of a wide variety of crops. This county reported a record $2.1 billion in gross returns on agricultural crops and livestock for 1985.
Located in this center of agribusiness, CSUF has a 1,190 acre farm on its 1,490 acre campus.
The farm produces almonds, grapes, tree fruit, citrus, vegetables, cotton, alfalfa, cereals and other crops on a commercial scale. It also provides fields and facilities for raising cattle, sheep, horses, goats and pigs. Some plots are devoted to ornamental horticulture, including turfgrass and flower culture.
Agricultural mechanics, industrial technology, enology, laboratory and food science facilities expand the university*s role as an agribusiness community of its own.
Multifuel Engine Research (MFER) was first formed as a program under the Agricultural Energy and Technology Project (AETP) sponsored by the California State Department of Agriculture. Hence, it was carried into CATI as an energy study component for agricultural biomass fuels and applied engine research. Laboratory facilities are located in the Department of Industrial Technology Transportation Laboratory.
MULTIFOEL ENGINE RESEARCH and FUEL PRODUCTION FACULTY
MFER:
Professors L. Aldrich, H. Martin, C. Cullen, M. Garcia, R. Newcomb, G. Grannis, D. Leue
Fuel Alcohol Production:
Professors G. Muller, B. Gump, D. Zellmer, D. Leue
Fuel Methane Production:
Professors H. Martin, J. Kim
1 INTRODUCTION The U.S., with 65S of the world's population, currently consumes over one-fourth of the world's oil production. All signs indicate that the gap between consumption and production is widening.
At one time, nearly half of this nation's oil was imported. Conservation and various energy efforts have cut this to one-third. But, the one-third imported oil is two-thirds of our balance of trade deficit problem, and the imbalance is still growing. Putting it another way, even if the decline in gasoline prices continues, it will have little effect on the oil deficit problem. Most tractors and trucks run on diesel oil. Therefore, one answer is to switch to non-oil fuels such as methane gases or alcohols.
California uses only one-third of its energy for stationary activities. The other two-thirds is used for transportation. Obviously, research work on the larger part (tractors, trucks, mobile machines) is vitally important. A companion problem is the alarming increase in air pollution which now accounts for over one billion dollars in California crop losses each year (more than 20SS estimated crop yield losses in the San Joaquin Valley). One must be mindful that agriculture is the state's number one industry. MFER ACTIVITIES
TITLE: Alcohol Injection Fumigation of Diesel Engines
INVESTIGATORS: G. Harper, S. Authier
PUBLICATIONS: C. Hanson, L. Aldrich
Reducing pollutants, while increasing power and conserving diesel fuel, are some of the areas of study and research being performed at the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) under the supervision of the MFER team at California State University, Fresno.
A six cylinder Model 1708 turbocharged Caterpillar diesel engine has been coupled with a Peabody Floway 40 horse power water pump in the CIT fluids testing laboratory. The engine has been modified with an injection fumigation system invented by Dwayne Fosseen and manufactured by Mid West Power Concepts in Radcliffe, Iowa. The system consists of a fuel pump, fuel filter, a pressure regulator, an injection nozzle, pressure gauges and several switches. The nozzle injects an alcohol-water blend (100- 140 proof) after the turbocharger and into the intake manifold. It is capable of maintaining a predetermined diesel-alcohol ratio by volume throughout varying engine speeds and in direct proportion to horse power changes. This feature is significant because the alcohol fuel works best under heavy loads when there is greater demand for power. Thus, the system can make the engine run above its rated performance.
Work cycles are in progress, and information is being collect ed on various diesel-alcohol fuel ratios at different load levels. The Caterpillar engine can be run on diesel fuel only or in conjunction with the alcohol. Testing is continuing to determine the use of CSUF farm produced ethyl alcohol for improving emission power and diesel fuel savings.
TITLE: Superflow System—Dynamometer Engine Test Cell, Multifuel Analysis
INVESTIGATORS: J. Ouimet, J. Hansen, B. Wilcox, C. Panos
PUBLICATIONS: J. Hansen, C. Panos, J. Ouimet, L. Aldrich
Volatile governments and unstable O.P.E.C. styled economics pose a real threat to world oil supplies. The research and development of alternate fuel sources and engines are important steps in finding solutions to this continued threat.
Modern computer technology has become an integral part of this research. The Superflow dynamometer system tests for power output, emissions, and fuel consumption; and helps to formulate performance comparisons of propane, ethanol, methanol, gasoline, methane gas. and biomass diesel fuels. Alcohols and methane gasses are presently under study focusing on two spark ignited engines, a "small block" Chevrolet 350 V-8 and a "big block" Chevrolet 454 V-8 engine.
TITLE: Establishing Alternate Fueled Cogeneration Demonstration and Applied Research Stations
INVESTIGATORS; J. Martinez, P. Damron
PUBLICATIONS: J. Martinez
Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of electricity and steam from the same fuel source. The process reduces fuel consumption by improving the thermal efficiency of an engine generator set. Several meetings and discussions have resulted in funding and donations of equipment for the establishment of cogeneration research stations in the Industrial Technology Energy Laboratory and dairy farm at California State University, Fresno (CSUF). Leaders in this effort are PG&E Industrial Power Engineer Lee Nave, other PG&E management staff and Cogeneration Consultant Gary Olson. Also included are CSUF professors L. Aldrich, C. Cullen, G. Grannis, D. Leue, H. Martin and R. Newcomb; Chief Maintenance Plant Engineer Mike Cuneo and researcher James Martinez. The cogeneration power plants will be an invaluable learning laboratory for agriculture and technology students. The facility will allow students and researchers to study alternate fuels, establish a working process control system, demonstrate examples of heat recovery boilers and absorption chillers, show utility grid interconnection requirements and provide a study area for economic considerations of cogeneration power plants.
TITLE: The Production of Methane Gas From the CSUF Farm Dairy and Engine Use Characteristics
INVESTIGATORS: P. Damron, J. Neufeld
PUBLICATIONS: P. Damron, H. Martin A digester was formed at one end of the new dairy lagoon (176* by 460'). Methane gas is being collected from under a floating cover and piped to an engine generator located near the milking barn.
Anaerobic digesters are designed to be used on farms where large quantities of manure are available. The methane produced can be used as a fuel for stoves, agricultural dryers, or internal combustion engines.
A digester is basically an insulated, airtight container where gases from decaying organic wastes are trapped. The process is simple and cheap. Bacteria breaks down the waste at low temperatures—between 59 F and 122°F at atmospheric pressure. The gas produced is a mixture of different gases--CH2,, CO^, N,^ H«, Co, 0^ and H^S. It is mainly methane (about 60%) Ind (JarbcTn dioxide (about 40^), however, and is called "biogas" or "methane". It is not pipeline quality (natural gas is 1000 btu's per cubic foot) and must be scrubbed to remove contaminants. Due to kO% carbon dioxide content, the btu's per cu. ft. drop to 600; this means a larger amount of fuel must flow through the engine mixer. The carbon dioxide flows through as an inert gas but could be removed for greenhouse use. Cogeneration is also included in the methane fueled engine study. Heat from the engine is programmed for use in dairy water heating and to run absorption refrigeration.
TITLE: Superior Farming Company Cogeneration Plant Training: June 1-September 1, 1982
INVESTIGATOR: T.E. Gilland
Kern Community College District requested assistance in training operators for the cogeneration plant that was under construction at the Superior Farming Company (SFC) facilities north of Bakersfield. This was CETA Title 7 training at Bakersfield College.
Mr. T.E. Gilland, MFER consultant, responded to the request and provided the required instruction. Of the thirty students only four were bilingual (Spanish/English) and the others were Spanish speaking. Despite the language barrier, these students were trained and virtually all of them are presently employed at SFC as cogeneration plant operators (two have been transferred to other SFC operations and one has terminated).
After considerable research, the instructor found a current Mexican high school textbook which contained excellent explanations of basic mathematics and physics required in an instructional program of this type. With a great deal of help from the bilingual students as interpreters, a limited command of the Spanish language on the part of the instructor (which improved considerably as the program progressed) and a lot of "body English", the instructional objectives were accomplished.
SFC COGENERATION PLANT
The plant is located midway between Bakersfield and Delano and is clearly visible from Highway 99. It is just north of the Kimberlina Road turnoff and on the freeway*s west side. It can be identified by the two 75 foot silos which are interconnected by a conveyor system for transporting fuel. The fuel is 75?^ chipped tree prunings and 25% almond shells. This mixture is used for more efficient burning and enhancement of a cleaner environment. Emissions from the plant are well within California's clean air requirements. Belt conveyors are used to transport fuel from the storage yard, which includes bunkers, to the silos which each have a capacity of 500 tons. An auger conveyor system is used to transport fuel from the silos to the boilers and the entire conveyor system, belt and auger, is computer controlled by signals transmitted from the turbines. Metal detectors are incorporated in the system and removal of contaminants from the fuel is automated; a blockage will automatically stop the entire system.
The steam produced serves a twofold purpose: it drives a turbine generator which produces sufficient electrical power to serve a population of 5,700 and provides heat for the company's fruit dehydration plant. Hence, the classification "cogeneration plant".
The electrical energy is sold to PG&E, and heat for the dehydration plant displaces some 600,000 therms of natural gas. When one considers the sale of 5.7 megawatts of electrical energy at the prevailing rates, and a savings of approximately a quarter of a million dollars annually in dehydration costs, it becomes apparent that a $7 million investment will amortize in 9 years (perhaps sooner). SIGNIFICANCE TO AETP (CSUF Agricultural Energy Technology Project) The foregoing "success story" at SFC is convincing proof that state-of-the-art technology can enhance agribusiness enormously. Also, proper waste management and energy conservation measures should not be taken lightly because these elements, carefully planned and properly executed, can make the difference between success or failure of any farming operation. And this, the SFC example, is only one of many ways that conservation of energy and natural resources is important to our culture.
'J^ITLE: Thermochemical Gasifier Fueled Engine Modifications
INVESTIGATORS: R. Zanoni, H. Kayhan, A. Chan Since there is a decreasing supply of petroleum and an increasing demand for energy, wood gasification is being developed as a supplement fuel to help reduce the dependence on gasoline. Gases formed by the burning of wood products are used in modified internal combustion engines. To turn wood into a fuel to burn, several processes must be completed. The gas must be generated, cleaned, cooled, and mixed before it can be used. The conversion of wood to charcoal occurs in the superheated, oxygen free area immediately above the hearth zone. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen is formed through gasification or partial combustion of the solid fuel. Generation of the gas is called gasification, a reaction at a high temperature between the oxygen of the air and the solid fuel.
The most critical parts of a wood gas generator are the fuel container and the hearth. Important advantages of wood gas generators are lower fuel costs, opportunities for an owner to prepare his own fuel, and steady, dependable power. Although most gasification processes have been employed in heat exchange applications, the MFER system under study also includes engine electrical power output and cogeneration.
TITLE: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for Trucks and Tractors
INVESTIGATORS: B. Dowing, J. Ouimet, B. Riding
The MFER program has been asked to participate in a national effort to move methane gas into agriculture and transportation. Meetings and discussions were held during the spring and summer of 1985. A CNG training symposium for California agriculture and industry was held in Oakland. Leaders of this effort are Mr. David Savidge, Senior Services Engineer, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E), San Francisco; Mr. Caroola, Director of Sales, Dual Fuel Systems, Inc., Los Angeles; Dick Smith, Services Engineer, PG&E, Fresno; national gas associations and CSUF representatives. Funding for an advanced vehicle study of this fuel is under discussion by PG&E and industry management staff.
A fleet of PG&E pickups equipped with CNG systems will be monitored and tested by the MFER team. Later, the program is to be expanded to include CNG research activities for improving motor vehicle use.
TITLE: CAD, CAM, CIM and the Industrial Technology Manufacturing Curriculum
INVESTIGATOR: Professor A.L. Foston, Department of Industrial Technology
PUBLICATION: A. Foston
ABSTRACT: Manufacturing, as it is known today, is undergoing many and rapid technological changes. In fact, the prediction is that manufacturing v^ill change more in the next decade than it has in the past five decades. These changes are having a tremendous impact on Manufacturing Technology Baccalaureate Degree Programs.
Clearly this impact is causing problems with no simple solutions for such educational programs. Yet many changes will have to be made in educational programs in order to alleviate these problems. Changes in course offerings, programs, equipment. facilities, faculty development, teaching methods, and student recruitment, to name a few, have to be made. It is obvious to most of us that the most sweeping changes and the changes that will have the most impact on the manufacturing industry in the future will come in the area of computerization. (The acronym for computerization is CIM.)
The implementation of a CIM model requires careful and thorough planning. The model discussed is flexible and the implementation process may be approached from different angles by undertaking the development of a specific model one at a time. The critical areas of concern during the implementation process will also be discussed.
Paper Presentation: l8th Annual Conference of the National Association of Industrial Technology "Technology Trends and Transition" October 23-25, 1985 Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana
TITLE: Multi-Fuel Engine Research—Hydrous Alcohol Fuels
INVESTIGATOR: Professor L.L. Aldrich, Department of Industrial Technology
PUBLICATION: L. Aldrich ABSTRACT: At one time, it was thought that most of the laboratory fuel research was close to conclusion, as gasoline and diesel became the dominant fuels. However, the present need for multi- fueling has again brought new challenges and problems to solve. Hydrous ethanol can be produced by agricultural enterprises in large quantities. This fuel mixed with varying percentages of water has special use problems. The selection of one design, a 5.7 liter Chevrolet spark ignited engine, and the fumigation of diesel compression ignition engines, are examples of two m practical, fundamental engine developments. Most importantly, this application of hydrous alcohol fuel provides for very much needed farm business opportunities. Paper Presentation: International Symposium of Alternate Sources of Energy for Agriculture Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China September 3-8, 1984 Sponsored by: Food and Fertilizer Technology Center Taiwan Sugar Research Institute Asian and Pacific Region T.C. Juang, Ph.D., Director
10 TITLE: Cogeneration Engine Operation of an Alcohol Fuel Distillation Plant Hammerraill
INVESTIGATORS: S, Weber, J. Schaad, R, Newman
Decreasing resources of fossil fuels have led to increased interest in the production of biomass fuels. Liquid biomass fuels such as ethanol and butanol are suitable for running automobile engines. The fuel is produced by crushing some type of organic material (plant residue, animal waste) into a "beer" which is then fermented to make an alcohol based fuel.
A hammermill is often used in the fermentation preparation process to pulverize the raw biomass stock into a distillable form. To power the process the MFER team chose a four cylinder Caterpillar marine diesel engine, which was then adapted to a Steedman type "A", two stage hammermill. The diesel engine was chosen in order to have the capability of using alternate fuels and cogeneration of heat into the fermentation process. Alternative fuels under study are a combination of ethanol and diesel fuel or a combination of methane and diesel fuel.
TITLE: Bear 40-950 "Ace" Automotive Diagnostic and Computer Dynamics
INVESTIGATORS: J. Hansen, B. Downing, J. Ouimet
In today's fast changing world of automotive technology, a diagnostic computer is almost mandatory for trouble-shooting automotive systems. The diagnostic analyzers of today are designed so they can, at a relatively low cost, be updated to keep up with the fast paced changes that are occurring in the automotive industry.
The automotive industry is mandated to maintain exhaust emissions as low as possible. This is accomplished with the assistance of onboard microprocessors making quick and exact airfuel mixture and ignition timing adjustments as needed. Diagnosing malfunctions in onboard microprocessors required the manufacture of a complex laboratory analyzer that has exact diagnostic capabilities.
The analyzer used for this study was the Bear 40-950 "Ace" Model. It is capable of analyzing microprocessor controlled vehicles and State of California required Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR 84) emission tests. Programs are available in foreign languages and a shop manager program can be added with a memory storage capacity of up to 25,000 vehicles.
Analyzed and stored information can be interfaced and sent by computer modem for technical comparison to anywhere in the nation. Having this instant access to integrated technical decisions
11 greatly increases the interchange of complex vehicle operation performance and efficiency analysis necessary to modern engine problem solving and modification study.
TITLE: MFER Mobile Emission Laboratory—Operation Analysis
INVESTIGATORS: R. Newman, L. Barkhouse
The Mobile Emissions Laboratory is designed to produce a driving sequence and testing of motor vehicle smog control devices. Originally, the laboratory was used for follow-up testing of new vehicles sold in California in locations distanced from the State Air Resources Board El Monte laboratories. A special emphasis was on high altitude testing at Lake Tahoe.
Presently, the laboratory enables the CSUF students to gain a better understanding of design, operation and repair of high tech vehicle emission analysis systems. This knowledge in turn prepares students to work with equipment of this type found in industry. Goals for the project include a complete system updating which will enable emission testing for a combination of conventional and alternate fuels. Major parameters include redesign and installation of a new emissions Data Acquisition system and improvements in the drivers aid computer controlled interface.
TITLE: Vehicle Design Group, Society of Automotive Engineers Student Club INVESTIGATORS: H. Bisel, J. Butkovic, T. Cromwell, A. Fung, F. LaFerte*, R. Newman, J. Ouimet, R. Parrish, J. Schaad, J. Watling, B. Wilcox
PUBLICATIONS: R. Parrish, T. Cromwell
Vehicle Design Group is an organization which aims to revolutionize the car-building process. The group stresses innovation by re-evaluating the basic purpose of vehicles and by utilizing existing technology in ways previously untried, as well as by creating new technology. Under the auspices of the local student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Vehicle Design Group is involved in two major student design competitions. Two vehicles have been built for the S.A.E. West Coast Super Mileage Vehicle Competition. In June of 1985, the first car, the "Silver Bullet", took third place with 501.32 miles per gallon, a significant improvement over the 246 miles per gallon posted in 1984. The "Killer Rail", Vehicle Design Group*s second entry, finished fourth with over 425 miles per gallon. With additional design modifications, next year*s mileage projections are 750 miles per gallon for the "Bullet", and 1000 miles per gallon for the "Rail".
12 A complete street-legal vehicle is currently under construction for entry at the Innovative Vehicle Design Competition to be held at Vancouver, British Columbia, in July of 1986, as part of the 1986 World Exposition. Student design teams from all over the world will bring their production prototypes to Vancouver in hopes of winning part of the 250,000 dollars in prize money that is being offered. The Vehicle Design Group is one of eight teams which have already won recognition and prize money based on the merits of the original design proposal. This is the first time that an international student-built vehicle design competition has ever been held, and the Vehicle Design Group is extremely proud to be a part of it. It is hoped that this competition will pave the way for additional competitions in the future.
The team is also involved in non-competitive projects. A vehicle has been built to study the feasibility of using human power to replace the fuel-burning engine, and construction is beginning on a solar-powered electric vehicle. Hopefully, the above prototype designs will eventually reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels. Also, construction will begin during 1986 on a three-wheeled, high-maneuverability runabout.
As an ongoing program. Vehicle Design Group continually evaluates new ideas in vehicle design. Prototype vehicles are then built to test and refine innovative concepts. The group deeply believes that the results from such research activities play a very important role in revolutionizing the future of transportation.
TITLE: Diesel Engine Combustion Efficiency Using Biomass Fuel Oil
INVESTIGATORS: J. Hansen, J. Siegfried
PUBLICATIONS: J. Hansen, J. Siegfried
The improved combustion of cottonseed oil in a diesel engine should result in an increase in engine power output and a reduction in brake specific fuel consumption, as well as reductions both in carbon formation and injector nozzle coking. This study investigates the effect that improving the fuel injection spray patterns of vegetable oil fuels has on the performance of a diesel engine.
A new four cylinder Perkins diesel engine was readjusted to factory specifications after a proper run-in. Base line performance figures on both diesel fuel and ^00% cottonseed oil, using standard 2000 PSI injector pressures, were established with a computerized dynamometer. For the test series, injector nozzles were recalibrated and step tests are run on cottonseed oil
13 utilizing injector pressures of 2500, 3000 and 3500 PSI. After completion of the pressure variation tests, a series of runs were made with standard pressure to determine the effect that advancing and retarding the fuel injection timing would have.
The results of the study are mixed. The base line performance of the engine on cottonseed oil indicated a small improvement in horsepower over diesel at specific RPM»s. As vegetable oils contain approximately ^5% fewer btu»s than diesel fuel, either 1) the cottonseed oil was burning more efficiently, or 2) more fuel was being injected due to less fuel leakage in the fuel pump, a viscosity related phenomenon. This fuel thickness is responsible for the lack of fuel consumption data, as the heavy viscosity (ten to twenty times diesel fuel) defeated the fuel sensor radial turbine. The attempt at improving combustion by increasing injector pressures was not successful. As the pressure increased, performance decreased. The performance calibrations for diesel ^PPly to cottonseed oil. Attempts to advance the injector timing revealed a 1055 loss of power and a 400 degree (F) reduction in exhaust temperature. Retardation of the timing decreased power by ^7% while exhaust gas temperature increased 120 degrees (F).
Results of the study indicate that the combustion characteristics of fuel oils require further research. The current injector systems seem capable of handling cottonseed oil as fuel. Standardized ASTM procedures for the analysis of carbon residue formation should be performed. Then researchers would be in a position to utilize this alternative fuel without engine damage. The study indicates that use of straight cottonseed oil as diesel fuel is suitable for short term emergency situations only. Most diesel manufacturers are conducting private research on vegetable oil fuels. Several published studies reveal that long term operation of engines on straight vegetable oil can cause formation of gum deposits on piston rings, contamination of crankcase leading to solidification of lube oil, carbon formation in the combustion chamber, and coking of injector nozzles. However, in Brazil, Caterpillar warranties engines in normal service using 30^ vegetable oil fuel blends. Other reports indicate that 50^ blends are OK for long term service, but that 20% vegetable oil blended with diesel is optimal. Therefore, one promising role for cottonseed oil would be as a fuel stock extender, and as such, could save farmers 700 million gallons of their annual 3.5 billion gallon diesel fuel bill. The study highlights several questions of ancillary interest, including the cost comparison with diesel fuels. Further research is needed to determine whether any of the processing required to manufacture edible-quality vegetable oils could be eliminated in the pursuit of the fuel oil market. TITLE: A Comparison Study of Transportation Alternate Fuels Production Processes
INVESTIGATOR: A.S. Haghighi
PUBLICATION: Masters Thesis Project Study, Completion Date - Spring 1986
The research project will contain, but is not limited to, the following material: an introduction justifying the need for alternate fuels by means of explaining the present situation of the world's non-renewable energy sources (mainly crude oil), fuel prices, depletion of the sources, etc.
The research will review the major efforts that have been made toward producing and improving selected types of alternate fuels. Comparisons of the selected alternate fuels will be based on resource availability, economics of producing them, production methods, and pollution profiles.
Finally, conclusions will be drawn and recommendations will be made based on the collected information and data. The project will include a sufficient amount of visuals in the form of graphs, flowcharts, diagrams, tables, etc., for making the subject matter easier to understand. Also, so that a more accurate judgment of the alternate fuel story can be made by the reader, additional research methods will be employed as needed in order to improve the overall quality of the project.
TITLE: Modification of Carburetors to Operate on Alcohol Fuel
INVESTIGATOR: J. Ouimet
PUBLICATION: J. Ouimet
Two carburetor designs are under study for modification to operate on alcohol fuel: Rochester Quadrajet and Ford Motorcraft. Fuel chemistry and emission testing is included in the investigation.
The use of ethanol as a motor fuel requires modifications to both the fuel induction and ignition systems. The Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, due to its tuneability, popularity and efficient design, lends itself well to use with ethanol fuel. All seven systems of the carburetor are being reviewed for recommended changes.
Methanol, an excellent motor fuel, is supplied by California Energy Commission stations. A MFER Ford Fairmont equipped with a
15 Motorcraft carburetor is under modification to run on methanol. m Illustrations, photo pictures and test data are being prepared for both carburetor units.
TITLE: Alcohol Injection System for Gasoline Engines INVESTIGATOR: L. Barkhouse p Investigation is progressing to improve a gasoline engine alcohol injection system designed by Mr. Fossein in Radcliffe, m Iowa. The alcohol injection is automatically phased in and out of operation by the automobiles with cruise control. There are no extra gauges, switches or complicated controls. Up to 50% of the 120 proof alcohol fuel is phased in at cruise speeds. Since the ^ engine will run cooler, it is hoped that emissions will also be reduced, along with significant savings in gasoline.
Pm TITLE: Investigation of Gasoline Engine Fuel System Problems Using Ethanol Blends ^ INVESTIGATORS: F. LaFerte*, J. Butkovic Study is underway to test materials used in both small engine ^ and automobile engine fuel systems to determine if ethanol blends cause fuel system problems. Computer dynamometer tests, vehicle road testing, chemistry studies and gas chromatograph analysis are m methods being used to reveal problem parameters.
16 RECENT PUBLICATIONS
MFER Senior Problem Studies
1. Blore, Michael, Application of Direct Gasoline Injection System to a Honda CVCC Engine. IT 199, Spring f583.
2. Croslin, Thomas. Performance Comparison of Gasoline to an Ethanol-Gasoline Mixture of Identical Research Knock Rating. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, ME 199, May 1982.
3. Damron, Paul. The History of Methane and Its Possibilities at CSUF. IT 199, Spring 1985.
4. Dunklav, Gary W. Engines; Naturally Aspirated vs. Turbo- charged. IT 199, Spring 1983.
5. Guerrero, Fred S. Measuring Engine Performance with an Air Fuel Meter System and Chassis Dynamometer. IT 199, Fall 1^1.
6. Hanson, Chris. Diesel Engine Dual-Fueling: Using Ethanol as a Fumigant. IT 199, Spring 1983.
7. Harritt, Brent L. Dynamometer Analysis Through Computer Programming. IT 199, Fall 1968.
8. Harper, Gary. An Alcohol-Injected Diesel Engine for Pumping Water. IT 199, Spring ^9^5.
9. Hazrati, Kayhan. A Study of Material Usage in the Automotive Industry. IT 199, Summer 1985.
10. Jacobs, Michael H. The Properties and Production of Titanium. IT 199, Fall 19^2.
11. Javidan - Alireza. Natural Gas Through Coal Gasification. IT 199, Fall 1980.
12. Lee, Curtis H.C. Turbocharging Automotive Gasoline Engines Under 3.0 Liters. IT 191, Spring 19ST:
13. Lee, Peter W. Ignition Systems: Practical and Develop- mental for the Internal Combustion Engine. IT 199, Fall 1969.
14. Lichtemberg, Rodger H. Horsepower Evaluation. IT 199, Fall 1969.
15. Martinez, James. Cogeneration by Alternate Fuels. IT 199, Spring 1985.
17 16. Mercer, Michael M. The Adaption of a Turbocharger to a Honda CVCC Engine/ IT 199, Spring 1984.
17. Miller, Chester. Design of the Electric Vehicle lA 199t Fall 1982.
18. Mon, Ron. Alcohol; Motor Fuel for the Future. IT 199, Spring 1984.
19. Newman, Richard V. C.A.R.B.'s Mobile Emissions Laboratory/ Automotive Exhaust Control. IT 199, Spring 1985.
20. Osada, James H. American Trucking; Its Uses of Energy and Economic Impact in the United States. IT 199, Spring 19M: —
21. Parrish, Ray. The 1984 Super Mileage Competition. IT 199, 1984.
22. Patterson, Darryl S. The Development of the Experimental Diesel Powered Wankel Engine. IT 199, Spring 1974.
23. Samuelian, Tom H. Automotive Instrumentation; Analog vs. Digital. IT 199, Fall 19M;^
24. Seiji, Yasuhiro Ted. Automotive Exhaust Emission Control; The Catalytic Converter. IT f99. Fall 1975.
25. Swanbeck, Robert. A Study of Automotive Aerodynamics. IT 199, Spring 19^3^ " 26. Swanston, Don G. Fiber Reinforced Plastics; Automotive Structural Applications. IT 199, ""Fall 1980".
27. Weber, Stephen. Design Study; Adapting a Multifuel Engine to a Hammermill. IT 199, Spring 1985. 28. Yamakawa, Gary Yutaka. Multifueled Carburetion. IT 199, Fall 1982.
29. Zanoni, Robert. A Study of Gasification Fuel for Engine Power. IT 199, Summer 1985.
MFER Independent Study
1. Andrews, Robert N. Engine Performance and Exhaust Emissions Tests. lA 190, Fall 1975. 2. Andrews, Robert N. pressure Transducers; A Study of Automotive Combustion Pressures. IA T90, Spring 1975"!
18 3. Barker, Bahador. On-board Computer: A Study of Micro- processor Applications. lA 190, June 197^. 4. Chen, Lee Jui. A Study of Precooling Facilities and Refrigerated Warehouses in the United States.~IEd 2907 May 1984.
5. Hawkins, Rickey N. Alternate Fuels for Industry. lA 190. Fall 1981.
6. Hawks, Laurence V. Multifuel Engine Proiect. Fresno. Fall 1983.
7. Kelly, Michael. Light Rail Vehicles. lA 190, May 1981. 8. Tohami, R.T. Fairbank-Morse-Diesel Engine. lA 290. May 1977.
9. Walker, Dan. Dynamic Diagnostic Dynamometer Lab Manual. IA 190, Dec. 1975.
MFER Thesis Studies
1. Hoornaert, Donald J. Comparison Analysis of Contemporary Automotive Wiring Diagrams. lEd. 299, Spring 1984. 2. Hansen, John. Improving the Combustion Efficiency of Cottonseed Oil in a Diesel Engine. lEd 299t Spring T9^
3. North, Jerry. Assembly of an Analytical Train for Diffusing and Measuring Exhaust Emissions. IEd299, Summer 1981.
4. Seiji, Yasuhiro Ted. A Study of Exhaust Emission Controls and Fuel Consumption in Japanese Cars. lEd 299. Spring 1981.
MFER Professional Papers
1. Amundsen, Edward L. Thermodynamics. lA 284, 1979.
2. Anderson, James. a. The Effects of Alcohol Fuel System Materials ^• Reid Vapor Pressures of Gasoline-Alcohol Mixtures c. Exhaust Analysis by Gas Chromatography ^• Theoretical Air-Fuel Ratios e. Heats of "Combustion of Ethanol-Water Mixtures. lEd 284 T, June 1985.
3. Antonetti, Thomas. The Flowbench and Emission Control. IT 110, Spring 1985.
19 4. Asiaie, Reza and Damovandi Siamak. ^• Analysis of the Exhaust of Different Fuels. b. Gas Chromatographlo Analysis of Some Gasoline. I Ed 284 T, Summer 1985.
5. Chan, Alan. Propane Fueled Engine. IT 120, Spring 1985. 6. Cromwell, Ted. International Innovative Vehicle Design Competition. Proposal, University of British Columbia, Spring 1985.
7. Downing, Brad S. The Compact Automotive Computer Analyzer. IT 120, Spring~T9^5.
8. Duward, Alan. Nissan Stanza Fuel and Ignition Systems. IT 129, Spring 1985. 9. Gilland, T.E. Multifuel Engine Research. Renewable Energy Symposium, Anahiem 1983. 10. Hansen, John W. Octane Boosters. lA 101, Spring 1982.
11. Hazrati, Kayhan. A Supplement Report of Wood Gasifiers IT 191 T, Summer 1985. ~
12. Hutchison, Del. The Nature of Thermodynamics. lA 284.1, 1979.
13. Media, Chris. Go Power Dynamometer Systems. IT 120. Sorinc 1983. 14. McCartney, Kevin. 1908 Ford 2.3 Turbo. IT 120. Sorine 1983. 15. Mercer, Michael. The Effective Use of Propane on a Ford Fairmont. IT 191 T, Spring TgMT 16. Mon, Ronald T. General Motors Computer Controlled Catalytic Converter System. IT 120, Spring 19^.
17. Navarro, Guillermo. Vehicular Fuel Energy Conversion. IT 191 T, Summer 1985. 18. Ouimet, John. Methanol Powered "80" Fairmont. IT 120, Spring 1985. ~
19. Ouimet, John. Ethanol Fueled Quadra-Jet Carburetor. Fall 1985.
20. Pendergrass, Lynn a. MultiFuel Engine Research Program: Conversion of Hercules Four Cylinder Engine to Natural Gis and Propane. b. Engine Modifications for Propane. IT 120, Spring 1985."
20 21. Wray, Kenton. 1984 Nissan Sentra Aloohol Conversion. IT 120, Spring 19^^ 22. Siegfried, Jack. 1980 Ford Fairlane Turbocharged 2.3 L Engine and Alcohol/Gasoline Blended Fuels. IT 1?0. Spring 1955:
23. Siegfried, Jack. Biomass Farm Fuels. IT 124, Fall I985. 24. Suryapurnama, Jaya. Specifications for Using an LP Gas on Datsun Sentra. IT 120, Spring 1985.
25. Tanaka, Stan. Go-Power Dynamometer. IT 120, Spring I985. 26. Weber, Stephen. Fuel Testing. IT 120, Spring I983.
27. Yamamoto, Glenn. I98I Datsun Pick-up Propane Conversion. IT 120, Spring T9W. ~
MFER Professional References
1. Adelman, H., R. Pefley, L. Browning, P. D*Eliscu, B.Murthy and B. Pullman. End Use of Fluids from Biomass as Energy Resources in Both Tr'ansportatio'h and Non-Transportation Sectors. Santa Clara, CA; January 1979.
2. The Alcohol Fuel Handbook. Tallgrass Research Center, Formoso, KS; 19^0.
Alcohol and Vegetable Oil as Alternative Fuels. Proceedings of Regional Workshops, Agricultural Engineering Department, Purdue University, April I98I.
Alcohols as Motor Fuels. Progress in Technology Services, Number 19, Society of Automotive Engineers, 1980.
Alternate Fuels. SP-480, International Congress and Exposition, Society of Automotive Engineers, February 1981.
Alternative Sources of Energy for Agriculture. Proceedings of the International Symposium, Taiwan Sugar Research Institute, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C., Sept. 1984.
7. Badger, Phillip C., Robert S. Pile, David W. Burch, David A. Mays, and James M. Lewis. TVA/DOE Integrated On-Farm Alcohol Production System Progress Report—Phase II October 1981 Through February 1982. Tennesse'e Valley Authority," March I982". 8. Biomass Fuels Update. Tennessee Valley Authority, Muscle Shoals, Alabama; February 1982.
21 9. Bosch, Robert. Automotive Handbook. Stuttgart, 1976. 10. Cogeneration Project Tracking System. California Energy Commission, June 1983.
'' '• • Cogeneration and Small Power Production Quarterly Report. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, First Quarter 1985.
12. A Critique of the CEC Report; California's Ethanol Production Demonstration Program^. California Department of Food and Agriculture, Dec. 1982.
13. I8th Annual Conference of the National Association of Industrial Technology. Proceedings, Indiana State University, October 1985. Energy Technology XII. Proceedings of the 12th Energy Technology Conference, Washington, D.C., March 1985.
^5. Engine Research and Development. Southwest Research Institute. San Antonio, TX; 1984. 16. 53rd Annual Rural Energy Conference. Proceedings, University of California, Davis; January 1981. 17. Fryling, G.R. Combustion Engineering. New York, 1967. 18. Gilland, T.E. Cogeneration Manual. CSUF Industrial Technology Dept.,"1983.
"•9. International Symposium on Alcohol Fuel Technology Methanol and Ethanol. Proceedings, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.; July 1978.
20. Kah, Gary F. Energy Management in Agriculture. San Francisco August I9F3. 21. Methane Recovery Systems. City of Modesto, Paper 082384, Modesto, CA; 1985. 22. Pefley, R.K. , L.H. Browning and J.F. Nebolon. Progress in Neat Ethanol Utilization in Spark Ignition Engines. Santa Clara, CA; April 1982. 23. Pile, Robert S., Phillip C. Badger, Joseph C. Roetheli, and Edward L. Waddell, Jr. Farm Fuel Alcohol Project Preliminary Report on Facility Design. Tennessee Valle"? Authority, September f9B^. 24. The Renewable Energy Technology Symposium and International Exposition. Papers. Anaheim, CA; June I983 and 1985.
22 25. Roethell, Joseph C., Robert S. Pile, and Harold C.Young. An Overview of Fuel Aloohoi from AgriouItural Crops with Emphasis on the Tennessee Valley. Tennessee Valley Authority, "Muscle Shoals, Alabama; February 1982.
26. Securing California's Energy Future. California Energy Commission. 1983 Biennial Report.
27. Society of Automotive Engineers. 1982 SAE Handbook. Warrendale, PA; 1982.
28. Society of Automotive Engineers. Cumulative Index of SAE Technical Papers. 6th Ed., 1965-81. Warrendale, PA; 1982. "
29. Soileau, John M. Questionnaire Survey on Potential Production of Agricultural Crops" for Liquid Fuel; 201- County TVA Region. Tennessee Valley Authority, Muscle Shoals, Alabama; November 1981.
30* State of the Art Waste Heat Utilization for Agriculture and Aquacultiire. Tennessee Valley Authority and Electric Power Research Institute; Tennessee Valley Authority, August 1978.
3^• Third International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels Technology. Proceedings, " U.ST Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.; April 1980.
32. ^rld Energy Conference—Munich. Proceedings, Bechtel Corp, ""ig'Bo.
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