Current Projects
(related to enhanced ignition)
BI-FUEL (GASOLINE/NATURAL GAS) 2.2L 4 CYLINDER CAVALIER
PROJECT TITLE: "An Experimental Study to Characterize the Ignition Behaviour of a Production Bi-Fuel (Natural Gas/Gasoline) Vehicle and Assess the Potential for Enhanced Spark Characteristics to Improve Ignition Capability. PHASE 2: Use of Enhanced Spark Characteristics to Overcome Slow Burning with Natural Gas, and Analysis of the Effects of Mileage Accumulation on Spark Plug Voltage Requirements."
DIRECTOR: David P. Gardiner
ABSTRACT: This is the second phase of a program concerned with characterising the unique demands for ignition systems posed by bi-fuel (natural gas/gasoline) vehicles, and identifying the potential for improving operational behaviour on natural gas through the use of enhanced ignition technology
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE: The main purpose of this project is to make natural gas fuelled light duty vehicles (or the operation of bi-fuel vehicles on natural gas instead of gasoline) more attractive to purchasers and users by reducing or eliminating the disadvantages associated with natural gas utilisation, and to ultimately maintain and improve the publicÕs perception of the positive environmental impact of natural gas vehicles. Specific benefits would include meeting gasoline vehicle legislative requirements and customer expectations with natural gas, and improving energy efficiency with natural gas so that it exceeds gasoline energy efficiency.
REPORTING: "Comparisons of the Ignition Voltage Requirements of Natural Gas and Gasoline in a Bi-Fuel Passenger Car", SAE Paper 1999-01-3567, presented at the International Fuels and Lubricants Conference and Exposition held in Toronto, Oct. 25-28, 1999.
ETHANOL FUEL EFFICIENCY STUDY
PROJECT TITLE: "Fuel Efficiency Improvement In A Light-Duty Ethanol-Fueled Engine".
PROJECT DIRECTOR: David P. Gardiner
ABSTRACT: This is an experimental study to investigate and demonstrate the effects of fuel blend composition and several engine parameters on the fuel efficiency of a light-duty ethanol engine. The engine parameters to be varied include compression ratio, amount of exhaust gas recirculation, engine speed, and ignition system characteristics.
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE: The primary goal of the project is to demonstrate the combination of the above mentioned engine parameters that will provide an 8% improvement in fuel economy over the conventional gasoline vehicle while operated on the FTP cycle.
REPORTING: "Improving the Fuel Efficiency of Light-Duty Ethanol Vehicles - An Engine Dynamometer Study of Dedicated Engine Strategies", SAE Paper #1999-01-3568, presented at the International Fuels and Lubricants Conference and Exposition held in Toronto, Oct. 25-28, 1999.