Author Archive: Jim Lane

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to A low GHG advanced SI engine that can operate on NG and NG/H2 blends with diesel-equivalent performance for off-road applications

October 19, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project develops an advanced Spark Ignition engine operating on Natural Gas (NG) and NG/Hydrogen blends, targeting 45% BTE (diesel-equivalent). Technical advances include coupled 1D/CFD simulations and a novel in-situ CO2/H2O exhaust gas sensor for fast EGR feedback and H2 ratio estimation. The goal is Stoichiometric operation with near-zero CH4 slip. This results in up […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Biodiesel Poisoning of Close-Coupled SCR

October 12, 2025 | Jim Lane

This research addresses how CC-SCR systems are vulnerable to metal poisoning (Na, K, Ca, Mg) from high-level biodiesel blends. The core technology is utilizing Spaci-MS (Spatial activity/storage mapping) alongside systematic B100-fueled engine aging to link distributed catalyst degradation to specific metal gradients. Key progress includes acquiring the 125 kW genset, establishing fuel infrastructure plans, and […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Predictive Modeling for 100% SAF Adoption

October 5, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project utilizes a predictive simulation framework employing LES/DNS and successfully ported models to NekRS (GPU-based) for a 10x speedup. Partners include ANL (PI), UIUC, Convergent Science Inc, and multiple National Labs. Accomplishments include validating ARC-M1 flow LES and showing that small fuel property changes significantly impact flame shape and Lean Blow Out (LBO) equivalence […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Asia Biobunkers Pricing and Market Update

September 28, 2025 | Jim Lane

Singapore has surpassed Rotterdam as Asia’s largest biobunkering hub since 2024, driven by tightening IMO and EU regulations. The IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) mandates 4-17% GHG reduction by 2028, and GHG pricing begins in 2028 ($100/tCO2e for Tier 1 units). Singapore’s biodiesel demand from bio-bunkers is projected to reach ~1.4 million metric tons by […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Control of Aldehyde Emissions from Alcohol-Fueled Non-Road Engines

September 21, 2025 | Jim Lane

This FY22-FY25 project, with $400k in FY24 funding, addresses toxic aldehyde emissions from low-lifecycle carbon fuels (LLCFs) in off-road engines. Alcohols like methanol and ethanol form less reactive aldehydes during oxidation. Stable formaldehyde delivery for experiments was achieved. In-situ DRIFTS analysis reveals highly stable formates/acetates on catalyst surfaces inhibit further oxidation, underscoring the critical need […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to SAF Contrail Modeling

September 14, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project, 33% complete with $400k in FY24 funding, aims to develop predictive chemistry and particle microphysics models for SAF contrail formation, a major climate impact driver (57.4 mW/m2 Effective Radiative Forcing). A multi-scale ice nucleation model is being constructed, using machine-learned molecular dynamics potentials that scale linearly for efficient simulation. The SAF Grand Challenge […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Implementing Low Lifecycle Carbon Fuels on Locomotives

September 7, 2025 | Jim Lane

This CRADA project with Wabtec and ORNL focuses on implementing low lifecycle carbon fuels, particularly hydrogen, in locomotive engines. A new research facility at ORNL’s NTRC is being established, featuring a Wabtec single-cylinder engine and extensive infrastructure upgrades for electrical, air, fuel, oil, and coolant systems. Hydrogen storage and delivery systems are designed. The approach […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Biogas Systems Developments and Flexibility

August 31, 2025 | Jim Lane

Biogas systems are proven, customizable net-zero technologies, feeding biomethane into existing gas infrastructure and treating diverse wet organic wastes. They offer high operational flexibility, integrating electrical and natural gas grids, and are generally cheaper than green hydrogen. Achieving flexibility involves increased CHP/gas storage capacity and production control, incurring higher costs balanced by benefits. Crucially, renewable […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Bioenergy’s Essential Role in Energy Transition

August 23, 2025 | Jim Lane

Bioenergy is crucial for net-zero, projected to comprise nearly 20% of total energy by 2050. Its innovative role includes decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and shipping, with usage doubling in industry and tripling in electricity generation. Key newsworthy aspects are its potential for negative emissions via BECCS and the IEA’s emphasis on developing a common […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to International Cooperation on Sustainable Aviation Biofuels

August 17, 2025 | Jim Lane

The ICARUS project, a €3.16M EU-funded initiative with global partners, focuses on scaling up sustainable aviation biofuels (SAF) through three pathways: biocrude oils (HTL), alcohols (ATJ), and syngas (FT). Innovations include optimizing yeast for direct isobutanol conversion from cellulose, developing new FT catalysts for liquid products enabling smaller plants, and enhancing biocrude pretreatment. It also […]

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