Project Number:
99-5
Research Project:
Improving Fuel Economy and Emissions Performance of Commercial Goods Transportation and Mass Transit Vehicles Using Throttleless Engines
P.I. Name & Address:
Paul Ronney
Mechanical Engineering
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA90089-1453
Tel: 213-740-0490
Fax: 213-740-8071
Email: ronney@usc.edu
Project Objective:
To develop optimal strategies for torque and emissions control for Throttleless Premixed Charge Engine (TPCE), and to develop methodology for applying TPCE technology to alternative fuels and fuel blends.
Project Abstract:
Conventional premixed-charge engines employ a throttle to reduce power and torque when demand is low by reducing the pressure of the combustible mixture drawn into the cylinder.Under typical highway cruising conditions 15% or more of the otherwise available power output of the engine is lost.This project will continue research Throttleless Premixed Charge Engine (TCPE) to bring it into practical application in real-world, urban mass transit buses and goods movement vehicles.
Task Descriptions:
1.Design, fabricate and assemble heat exchanger, branched intake manifold and diverter valve.Integrate into existing engine test facility
2.Using natural gas fuel, determine optimal intake air temperature, mixture strength and spark ignition timing for best emissions performance and thermal efficiency.
3.Determine dynamic response of TPCE to changes in torque demand, i.e., determine the time lag between change in torque command input and engine torque output.
4.Compare optimized emissions and thermal efficiency to conventional throttled engines operating at the same torque loadings and engine RPM
5.Repeat second through fourth items using methanol, ethanol and hydrogen fuels.
6.Assess data to determine the optimal means to integrate the TPCE concept into real-world practical motor vehicles.Prepare final report.
Milestones, Dates:
Final report by 6/30/00
Yearly Budget:
$39,563
Total Budget:
$139,967
Student Involvement:
One undergraduate student for 12 months.
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Project spans the goods movement and transit focus areas.
Technology Transfer Activities:
Project provides a step toward commercializing new engine technology
Potential Benefits of the Project:
Reduced fuel consumption for heavy-duty vehicles
Reduced emissions (especially NOx) for heavy-duty vehicles
TRB Keywords:
Engines, Emissions, Fuel Combustion, Fuel Consumption
Primary Subject:
Vehicle Fuels and Energy Sources, Including Production and Delivery Systems
Goals:
Human and Natural Environment, National Society
Enabling Research:
Energy and Environment
Modal Orientation:
Highway
