Fuels

There is a renewed interest in alternative and renewable fuels for the transportation sector due to U.S. dependence on foreign oil, rising crude oil costs and transportation emissions. Fuels produced from feedstocks within the U.S. border provide energy security and stability in pricing.

To promote and stimulate alternative and renewable fuel research, the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard has made it a requirement to increase the production of ethanol and advanced biofuels to 36 billion gallons by 2022. Public concern over mobile sources of air pollution provides an additional incentive to produce fuels that generate fewer emissions and increase efficiency.

The primary focus of Argonne's alternative and renewable fuels research program is the acquisition and dissemination of emissions, efficiency, and performance data from both engines and vehicles operating on various fuels. This is accomplished by utilizing the extensive engine and vehicle testing facilities combined with the latest data acquisition equipment for in-cylinder combustion, as well as exhaust system analysis. In addition, development of mechanistic models with an emphasis on practical applications is currently being pursued through utilization of world-class chemistry kinetics, dynamics, and quantum chemistry. By employing Argonne’s vertically-integrated team to bridge basic combustion research and applied engine systems, improved understanding and operation of various alternative and renewable fuels is attainable.

It is the goal of the Argonne research team to maximize the benefits of alternative and renewable fuels while minimizing the implementation and economic impact on manufacturers and consumers. Identifying hurdles and generating solutions are keys to the successful implementation of these fuels. Several fuels are currently being investigated within the Center for Transportation Research including biodiesel, butanol, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas and synthetic fuels.

May 2008