A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy Aquatic Species Program: Biodiesel from Algae
7/1/1998
The Aquatic Species Program (ASP) was a relatively small research effort intended to look at the use of aquatic plants as sources of energy. While its history dates back to 1978, much of the research from 1978 to 1982 was focused on using algae to produce hydrogen. The program switched emphasis to other transportation fuels, in particular biodiesel, beginning in the early 1980s. This report provides a summary of the research activities carried out from 1980 to 1996 (when the program ended), with an emphais on algae for biodiesel production.
As a result of the program, researchers collected over 3,000 strains of organisms that were winnowed down to around 300 viable species appropriate to their research. The researchers were able to study the physiology and biochemistry of algae and, through genetic engineering, were able to make algae over-express the ACCase gene. Finally, the program experimented with open pond systems for mass production of algae. The group concluded that production costs for producing biodiesel from algae must be below the costs of petro diesel.
Authors: Sheehan, J.; Dunahay, T.; Benemann, J.; Roessler, P.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Real-World Perspectives from the Federal Fleet
7/1/1998
Vehicles that run onfuels other than gasoline, or "alternative fuel" vehicles (AFVs), offer great promise for improving air quality and lessening our nation's dependence on imported oil. But if they are to fulfill this promise and replace traditional gasoline vehicles on a large scale, they must meed the needs of the people using them, and consumers must have access to"real-world" information about them. Do they drive as well as gasoline vehicles? Are their refueling stations as convenient as the corner gas station? Can we expect the same reliability that we've come to expect from our gasoline vehicles? How better to answer these questions than to ask the people who are actually running the AFVs? So in 1996, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national labortory, designed a nationwide study to capture the opinions of federal fleet managers and drivers onthe performance, reliability, driveability, and acceptability of AFVs. NREL put together this short brochure to serve as a "quick look" summaryof the surveys and their results.
Authors: Whalen, P
Revision to Addendum to Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A
6/1/1998
The purpose of this document is to revise the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Addendum to Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A policy for motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines originally designed to operate on gasoline or diesel fuel and subsequently modified to operate exclusively or in conjunction with compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane).
Emissions from Trucks and Buses Powered by Cummins L-10 Natural Gas Engines
5/4/1998
Both field research and certification data show that the lean burn natural gas powered spark ignition engines offer particulate matter (PM) reduction with respect to equivalent diesel power plants. Concerns over PM inventory make these engines attractive despite the loss of fuel economy associated with throttled operation. Early versions of the Cummins L-10 natural gas engines employed a mixer to establish air/fuel ratio. Emissions measurements by the West Virginia University Transportable Heavy Duty Emissions Testing Laboratories on Cummins L-10 powered transit buses revealed the potential to offer low emissions of PM and oxides of nitrogen, (NOx) but variations in the mixture could cause emissions of NOx, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to rise. This was readily corrected through mixer repair or readjustment. Newer versions of the L-10 engines employ a more sophisticated fueling scheme with feedback control from a wide range oxygen sensor. Comparative testing using the 5-mile route was performed in Sacramento, California on Class 8 tractors powered by these L-10 engines, operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and similar tractors with M-11 diesel engines. Also, using the CBD cycle, a fleet of Cummins L-10 compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses in Garden City (Long Island), New York, was compared to a diesel-powered fleet in Cincinnati, Ohio. Data confirms the average low production of NOx and PM, but three higher NOx emitters were found in the Long Island fleet. Energy equivalent fuel consumption for the Sacramento trucks was 29% higher for LNG than diesel, based on carbon content of the vehicle emissions, while for the new buses the CNG fuel consumption was higher by 28%.
Authors: Clark, N.;Lyons, D.;Rapp, B.;Gautam, M.;Wang, W.;Norton, P.;White, C.;Chandler, K.
Using CNG Trucks in National Parks
5/1/1998
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has successfully introduced cleaner-burning alternative fuel (in particular, compressed natural gas, or CNG) transit vehicles, such as refuse haulers electric trams, to relieve traffic congestion and help to protect the National Park System's (NPS) natural resources and historic sites. As part of this effort, NPS and DOI are working with DOE to implement alternative fuels in heavy trucks to attain goals of environmental sustainability and efficient operation. This report outlines the steps required to put CNG trucks in operation in the NPS fleet.
Development of a Dedicated Ethanol Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) - Phase 3 Report
4/1/1998
The objective of this 3.5-year project was to develop a commercially competitive vehicle powered by ethanol that can meet California ULEV standards and equivalent corporate average fuel economy energy efficiency for a light-duty passenger car application. This report summarizes the second phase of this project, which lasted 12 months. It documents two baseline vehicles, the engine modifications to the original equipment manufacturer engines, advanced aftertreatment testing, and various fuel tests to evaluate the flammability, lubricity, and material compatibility of the ethanol fuel blends.
Authors: Dodge, L. G.;Bourn, G.;Callahan, T. J.;Naegeli, D. W.;Shouse, K. R.;Smith, L. R.;Whitney, K. A.
Alternative Fuels In Trucking, Vol. 6, No. 3
3/1/1998
This issue includes articles on 1) Ethanol Fuel Demosntration in Hennepin County, Minnesota 2) EPA Revises Tampering Policy for Conversions 3) Evolution of the ATA's Alternative Fuels Task Force 4) John Deere Introduces Two new natural Gas Engines 5) Alternative Fuel Taxes Reduced in Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 6) EPA Reference Guide to Emissions Standards
A Guide to the Emissions Certification Procedures for Alternative Fuel Aftermarket Conversions
1/30/1998
Emissions certification is still relatively new to the aftermarket vehicle conversion industry. Many in the industry think that as soon as a vehicle is converted to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), it automatically runs as clean as or cleaner than it did on the conventional fuel. However, recent studies have shown that aftemarket conversions may not always reduce emissions. To achieve emissions benefits, the conversion equipment must be designed and calibrated specifically for the engine and emissions control system on which it has been installed, and the installation and setup must be performed so as to not adversely affect the vehicle's original emissions performance. The reason for certification, then, is to ensure that these criteria are met, that the vehicle continues to perform properly, and that it continues to satisfy all appropriate emissions standards throughout its useful life.
The Pierce Transit Story Case Study
1/1/1998
In 1986, Pierce Transit made a commitment to the future of the transportation industry and to the environment by deciding to put buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) into everyday service. This case study outlines the company's success and how it was achieved.
The Governors' Ethanol Coalition Marketing Communications Plan
12/15/1997
This marketing communications plan is designed to move drivers through the product buying process for gasoline so they seek out and are product loyal to ethanol as a component of their gasoline. Secondly, it is to educate constituents on the advantages of ethanol for the general economic and environmental welfare of the country, thereby enhancing favorable legislative and administrative policy toward ethanol. Some of the strategy used in this market planning document has been adapted from the experience of ethanol advoctes in the State of Minnesota.
The Governors' Ethanol Coalition Research Summary Report. Drivers Awareness, Attitudes & Usage Of Ethanol-Blended Fuel
12/15/1997
This summary reports on research done in the Midwest to determine the awareness, usage, and attitudes of drivers toward gasoline blended with ethanol. The goal was to determine why consumers make the choices they do with regard to ethanol at the pump. The most effective key message to encourage driver use of ethanol is its ability to improve air quality, also that ethanol is safe for all engines. Most drivers do not know ethanol's principal features of improving air quality or increasing the octane level of gasoline.