The Next Generation Natural Gas Vehicle Activity
9/1/2003
The Next Generation Natural Gas Vehicle (NGNGV) R&D activity is leading important advances in natural gas vehicle (NGV) technology. NGNGV Phase I engine research projects demonstrated NOx emissions well below EPA 2007 levels, and tow projects met EPA 2010 levels in medium-duty engines. NGNGV Phase II engine and vehicle projects covering a range of power and torque ratings are targeted to achieve EPA 2007/2010 emission levels in 2005. In addition, gaseous fuel expertise gained through the NGNGV activity and other government and industry NGV and infrastructure efforts is aiding the transition to a future transportation scenario based on hydrogen.
SunLine Test Drives Hydrogen Bus
8/1/2003
This evaluation is one of several DOE projects that support the research and development of highly efficient, low- or zero-emission fuel cell power systems, which serve as an alternative to internal combustion engines. The demonstration is consistent with the Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Infrastructure Technologies (HFC&IT) goal of having advanced technology vehicles enter the marketplace by 2010.
Consumer Views on Transportation and Energy
8/1/2003
This report has been assembled to provide the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) with an idea of how the American public views various transportation, energy, and environmental issues.
Authors: Steiner, E.
Fuel-Cycle Energy and Emission Impacts of Ethanol-Diesel Blends in Urban Buses and Farming Tractors
7/30/2003
About 2.1 billion gallons of fuel ethanol was used in the United States in 2002, mainly in the form of gasoline blends containing up to 10% ethanol (E10). Ethanol use has the potential to increase in the U.S. blended gasoline market because methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), formerly the most popular oxygenate blendstock, may be phased out owing to concerns about MTBE contamination of the water supply. Ethanol would remain the only viable near-term option as an oxygenate in reformulated gasoline production and to meet a potential federal renewable fuels standard (RFS) for transportation fuels. Ethanol may also be blended with additives (co-solvents) into diesel fuels for applications in which oxygenation may improve diesel engine emission performance.Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the fuel-cycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects of ethanol-gasoline blends relative to those of gasoline for applications in spark- ignition engine vehicles (see Wang et al. 1997; Wang et al. 1999; Levelton Engineering et al. 1999; Shapouri et al. 2002; Graboski 2002). Those studies did not address the energy and emission effects of ethanol-diesel (E-diesel or ED) blends relative to those of petroleum diesel fuel in diesel engine vehicles. The energy and emission effects of E-diesel could be very different from those of ethanol-gasoline blends because (1) the energy use and emissions generated during diesel production (so-called "upstream" effects) are different from those generated during gasoline production; and (2) the energy and emission performance of E-diesel and petroleum diesel fuel in diesel compression-ignition engines differs from that of ethanol-gasoline blends in spark-ignition (Otto-cycle-type) engine vehicles.The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) commissioned Argonne National Laboratory to conduct a full fuel-cycle analysis of the energy and emission effects of E-diesel blends relative to those of petroleum di
Authors: Wang, Michael; Saricks, Chris; Lee, Hanjie
The Energy Smart Guide to Campus Cost Savings
7/1/2003
With 4,000-plus accredited, degree-granting institutions of postsecondary education in the U.S. and its outlying areas, energy efficiency improvements are impacting millions of students, faculty and staff. NACUBO and APPA are proud to have worked with the United States Department of Energy to bring you this resource guide, which is intended to give our members realworld input on a number of critical energy efficiency issues facing us today. It's also meant to alert our members to new opportunities to save both money and energy, while strengthening your institutions' contributions to environmental responsibility. And as such, it is part of our continuing services to our members. Our goal, as always, is to bring you up-to-date information you can use to make the difficult and important decisions that you face every day.
Flame Arrester Evaluation for E-Diesel Fuel Tanks
6/1/2003
An evaluation of various flame arresters for use with E-Diesel fuel (15% ethanol, 85% diesel blend) was conducted on four diesel fuel tanks selected to represent typical fuel tank and fill-neck designs. Multiple flame arresters were tested on each fuel tank for a total of 13 test combinations. It was determined that none of the flame arresters would prevent ignition from propagating from the fill port into the fuel tank while still allowing fuel flow for the saddle tank. It may therefore be necessary to design a fill neck as an addition to saddle fuel tanks in order to install more effective flame arresters.
Authors: Weyandt, N.; Janssens, M.L.
On-Road Development of the C-Gas Plus Engine in Heavy-Duty Vehicles
6/1/2003
To advance NGV technology, DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) supported on-road protoype development of the C-Gas Plus engine, beginning in November 2000. The goal of the project was to advance laboratory-developed technologies, on road and in service, for a natural gas truck and bus engine with significant improvements over the previous C8.3G natural gas engine. This goal was achieved. The C-Gas Plus was launched into production in July 2001 with increased engine ratings, reduced emissions, and lower cost compared with the C8.3G engine.
Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: Overview of Advanced Technology Transportation Update for CY 2003
6/1/2003
Since fiscal year (FY) 2000, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA), formally the Field Operations Program, has produced an annual overview of the transportation market. The document, which covers energy use, vehicle sales, emissions, potential partners, advanced technology vehicle availability, and other factors, offers a 'snapshot' of current vehicle technologies and trends. DOE program managers use this document to plan test and evaluation activities that focus resources where they have the greatest impact.
Authors: Eudy, L.
National AFV Day Odyssey Executive Summary
5/1/2003
This is a overview report about the National AFV Day Odyssey which is a biannual celebration. Events were held at 51 locations in 31 states across the country, and participants included 20 National Alternative Fuel Training Consortium (NAFT) training centers, 19 Clean Cities Coalitions, and 12 other alternative fuels related organizations.
Notes: Copies of this document can be downloaded from the National AFV Day Odyssey Web site at: http://www.nationalafvdayodyssey.org/documents/2002_executive_summary.pdf.
Building a Bridge to the Ethanol Industry--Follow-Up Project Period of Performance: 2/22/01-12/31/02
4/30/2003
The first trial of the corn fiber pretreatment process has been completed. The data and operating experience for the pump, heat exchanger, coil, and centrifuge show the pretreatment of corn fiber in water is technically achievable and economically feasible. The goals of this trial include showing that the pretreatment process is scaleable to fit the existing process at Williams Bioenergy, that pilot-size equipment achieves the goals of pretreatment--at least 75% recovery of starch from the corn fiber, and testing the performance of pilot-scale equipment at or near operational conditions. These goals were met. Cellulose conversion was also significantly enhanced by the pretreatment process.
Authors: Ladisch, M.; N. Mosier, G. Welch, B. Dien
Impact of Biodiesel Fuels on Air Quality Task 4 Report: Impacts of Biodiesel Fuel Use on PM
4/1/2003
Biodiesel fuels have been investigated for a number of reasons, such as an extender for petroleum-based fuels derived from a domestic renewable energy source. But lately the primary interest is the potential for a more environmentally benign fuel. The potential for exhaust emission reductions and reductions in emissions toxicity have the most interest. Several studies have shown that large reductions in hydrocarbon, particulate, and carbon monoxide emissions are expected from its use either as a neat fuel or as a blend with petroleum-derived fuels.
There are several areas in the United States that are currently in non-attainment for particulate matter of 10 pm or less (PM10). In addition, there is a new fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which may result in new areas being in non-attainment for PM. Biodiesel fuel use is estimated to reduce several precursors to PM (e.g., PM, SO2, and VOC) and increase others (NOx). Thus, the net affect of biodiesel fuel use on ambient PM levels is unclear based on analyzing changes in emissions alone, so it is assessed using air quality modeling.
Authors: Morris, R.E.; Jia, Y.