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DIMETHYL ETHER (DME)-FUELED SHUTTLE BUS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/819428· OSTI ID:819428
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The objectives of this research and demonstration program are to convert a campus shuttle bus to operation on dimethyl ether, a potential ultra-clean alternative diesel fuel. To accomplish this objective, this project includes laboratory evaluation of a fuel conversion strategy, as well as, field demonstration of the DME-fueled shuttle bus. Since DME is a fuel with no lubricity (i.e., it does not possess the lubricating quality of diesel fuel), conventional fuel delivery and fuel injection systems are not compatible with dimethyl ether. Therefore, to operate a diesel engine on DME one must develop a fuel-tolerant injection system, or find a way to provide the necessary lubricity to the DME. In this project, they have chosen the latter strategy in order to achieve the objective with minimal need to modify the engine. The strategy is to blend DME with diesel fuel, to obtain the necessary lubricity to protect the fuel injection system and to achieve low emissions. The laboratory studies have included work with a Navistar V-8 turbodiesel engine, demonstration of engine operation on DME-diesel blends and instrumentation for evaluating fuel properties. The field studies have involved performance, efficiency and emissions measurements with the Champion Motorcoach ''Defender'' shuttle bus which will be converted to DME-fueling. The results include baseline emissions, performance and combustion measurements on the Navistar engine for operation on a federal low sulfur diesel fuel (300 ppm S). Most recently, they have completed engine combustion studies on DME-diesel blends up to 30 wt% DME addition.
Research Organization:
The Pennsylvania State University (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
(US)
DOE Contract Number:
FG26-99FT40161
OSTI ID:
819428
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
COMBUSTION
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DIESEL ENGINES
DIESEL FUELS
EFFICIENCY
ENGINES
EVALUATION
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS
METHYL ETHER
PERFORMANCE
SULFUR