feerc.ornl.govFuels, Engines and Emissions | ORNL

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The primary goals of fuels and engines research are to develop knowledge and accelerate the deployment of renewable fuels and new technologies that increase vehicle efficiency, reduce petroleum consumption, and decrease harmful emissions. Scientists from diverse backgrounds—including mechanical and chemical engineers, chemists, physicists, and environmental scientists—work closely with industry to develop and evaluate new engine technologies, alternative fuels, and emissions controls. Research is performed at all levels, from basic chemistry to component studies to engine systems and full vehicle applications. Scientists also leverage one-of-a-kind expertise and facilities at ORNL in the areas of leadership computing, neutron sciences, materials characterization, advanced manufacturing, and biosciences. The ORNL team is highly engaged in both industry and government research on fuels, engines, and emissions technologies. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office and Bioenergy Technologies Office along with industry partners are the main sponsors of fuels and engines research. Scientists work with industry through the Crosscut Lean Exhaust Emissions Reduction Simulations team, participate in the U.S. DRIVE and 21st Century Truck Partnership , and contribute to the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center for Clean Vehicles partnership. They participate in many cooperative research and development agreements with industry and perform sponsored research for engine manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, energy companies, and supplier organizations. Researchers also fulfill leadership roles in professional societies such as the Society of Automotive Engineers International , the Combustion Institute , and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers . These activities allow scientists in fuels and engines to stay at the forefront of current engine research and emission controls issues. One aspect of fuels and engines research is experiments and analysis about factors that affect real-world fuel economy, such as air conditioner use, maintenance, vehicle speed, and carrying extra cargo. Researchers in the adjacent Center for Transportation Analysis turn this data into driving tips for the public and post them on www.fueleconomy.gov , DOE’s most visited website. For example, fuels and engines research has demonstrated that dirty engine air filters do not affect fuel economy in modern vehicles, correcting decades of erroneous advice on this subject. Jun Qu with ionic lubricant Fuels and Lubricants Scientists study the impacts of fuels and lubricants on advanced combustion processes, exhaust species, and emissions control strategies and devices. A wide variety of fuels are studied, including gasoline and diesel, biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen fuel cells. This also includes research focused on new non-conventional candidate fuels which enable improved efficiency and emissions. To support this effort, the fuels and engines team has developed a specially-equipped one-cylinder engine that can provide accurate performance and emissions results for small volumes of fuel, allowing start-up companies and other researchers the ability to evaluate prototype fuels. ORNL research has informed the federal implementation of new fuels standards twice now, providing a basis for decision makers at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow use of E15 – gasoline with 15% ethanol—and mandate use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). Lubricants are another focus of study, since reduced friction and wear can increase vehicle fuel economy. Fuels and engines research spans the development of new lubricants, understanding the impact of lubricants on catalyst durability and engine-out emissions, and the development of new methods for characterizing the fuel economy potential of new lubricants. As an example, researchers partnered with General Motors to develop a low-viscosity lubricant featuring ionic liquid anti-wear additives that can boost fuel economy by 2% compared with commercially available synthetic 5W-30W oil. The team is working with additional ionic liquids and expanding the application of these lubricants to the rear axle with the goal of achieving a 4% improvement in vehicle fuel economy. Engines The fuels and engines group conducts research on innovative internal combustion engine technologies and control systems for improved efficiency. To understand the potential of new combustion concepts, researchers employ fundamental science, multi-cylinder implementations, full vehicle studies, and computer simulations. Scientists are studying light- to heavy-duty engines with varied architectures. Research spans many forms of combustion including reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion, gasoline partially premixed combustion, and the us...