This $550k (exp) + $175k (sim) FY24 project, running until 2027, focuses on X-ray diagnostics and high-fidelity CFD for SAF internal flow and atomization. Critical insights into as-built nozzle geometry (25 µm foreign object, micron-scale helical grooves) influencing spray morphology have been revealed. New window designs validate >150 bar performance for high-pressure experiments. A GPU-accelerated […]
This DOE-funded project, 60% complete with $450k in FY24 funding, investigates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) combustion and contrail formation, particularly linking soot to ice nucleation. Research shows aromatics produce 4-8 times more soot, with cyclo-alkane blends offering an 80% soot reduction compared to traditional jet fuel components. A desktop aero-engine reactor network provides rapid, accurate […]
A four-year CRADA (FY23-26) with $2.0M DOE and $2.04M Caterpillar in-kind funding, this project is 35% complete, focusing on methanol as a promising decarbonization fuel for hard-to-electrify applications. Three combustion strategies are investigated, including port fuel injection and prechamber spark ignition. Maersk’s commitment to 730,000 tons of green methanol annually highlights the market. Accomplishments include […]
This project, 15% complete as of March 2024, is developing predictive CFD tools for hydrogen and methanol-fueled off-road engines. With $600k DOE funding and $450k industry cost-share in FY24, it aims to address limited understanding of low-carbon fuel impact. Key accomplishments include identifying hydrogen mixing model deficiencies, assessing combustion model shortcomings, and completing DNS setups, […]
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 […]
This project develops and validates advanced CFD tools for hydrogen combustion in large-bore locomotive engines, aiming for up to 100% H2 operation. Simulations evaluated hydrogen substitution rates, diesel injection parameters, and compression ratios on combustion performance. Key findings showed a shift from mixing-controlled to flame propagation combustion with increasing H2, identifying conditions leading to high […]
This project evaluates the transient performance of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICEs) for off-road vehicle decarbonization. Utilizing an Engine-in-Loop (EIL) facility, the team demonstrated closed-loop tractor duty cycles with a Navistar diesel engine, developing and validating agricultural tractor models. Infrastructure for H2 fueling is complete. Key findings include presented fuel consumption and NOx emissions for […]
This “atoms-to-autos” project aims to reduce Platinum Group Metal (PGM) use in catalytic converters by 50%. It focuses on developing catalysts with single-atoms or small ensembles of palladium and rhodium, alongside engineered support materials for enhanced aging resistance. The project achieved 60% PGM thrifting at the core sample level with equivalent performance and identified optimal […]
This project develops predictive combustion and emission models for low lifecycle carbon fuels (LLCFs) across hard-to-decarbonize sectors. Key advancements include improved kinetic models for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) components like cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane, and a novel Jet-A surrogate. The team also enhanced the Zero-RK software for faster chemical kinetics solutions and released GPS-Z for efficient […]
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 […]
