Future Combustion Fuels for Mobility

Many engine manufacturers in markets that cannot tolerate the low volume and mass energy density of batteries, are looking to renewable fuels as a path to low carbon emissions. But the transition to these fuels brings a much larger palate of options, in terms of combustion, handling and storage characteristics.

Concequently, engine manufacturers are struggling to understand the best renewable fuels path for their markets. This course is designed to address this issue. It provides a fundamental understanding of the characteristics of current and future ranges of available fuels, as well as some of the attendant economics.

• Internal Combustion Engine and Powertrain Engineers
• Technicians
• Project Managers
• Engineering Managers

The course will be aimed at engineers beginning a career in IC Engines and Renewable Fuels development and those in adjacent fields wanting to improve their understanding of this field.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of:

• Chemistry
• Thermodynamics
• IC Engines

Introduction (Day 1)

1. Overview

1. Definitions
2. Fuel Types

1. Solids
2. Liquids
3. Gases

1. Prime movers

1. Internal-Combustion Engines
2. Gas Turbines
3. Sterling Engines
4. Rocket Engines

1. History

1. Comparing Alternatives: Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Hydrogen, Coal, Wood, Batteries, Capacitors, (Nuclear?)

1. Energy density
2. Power density
3. Cost
4. Accessibility
5. Durability
6. Environmental Impact 

Physics and Application (Day 2)

1. Combustion Thermodynamics

1. Mixtures
2. Stoichiometry
3. Chemical Energy
4. 1^st Law
5. 2^nd Law

1. Combustion Chemical Kinetics (comparison chart)

1. Elementary reactions
2. Chain reactions
3. Global reactions
4. Premixed Flames
5. Diffusion Flames
6. Volumetric combustion
7. Emissions Mechanisms and Abatement

1. NOx
2. PM
3. HC

1. Sprays

1. Formation
2. Size Distribution
3. Dynamics
4. Vaporization
5. Injection

1. Motor Fuel Characteristics

1. Energy density
2. Reactivity

1. Octane scale
2. Cetane scale

1. Vapor Pressure
2. Viscosity
3. Distillation Curve
4. Chemical Content

1. Matching to Combustion Systems

1. Efficiency
2. Power
3. Fuel preparation
4. Charge preparation
5. Combustion chamber 

Economics (Day 3)

1. Statistics

1. Global consumption by source
2. Historical and projected consumption
3. Global per capita consumption
4. Future projections

1. EROI and Economic Growth
2. Delivery Pathways

1. Fossil Fuels
2. Bio Fuels
3. Synthetic Fuels

1. Negative Externalities

1. Health
2. Climate
3. Environment

1. Implications for the Future

1. Demand
2. Regulatory Requirements
3. Mix
4. Applications

Blake Suhre

Blake Suhre is Program Director, Power Engineering in Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro) at UW-Madison. He has over 30 years of experience in many aspects of vehicle and powertrain systems, engine systems, and controls development. He was involved in the initial development of model-based controls for internal combustion engines and has experience applying these techniques to all varieties of combustion system in use today. He was co-founder of the MotoTron Corporation and has held a variety of leadership roles in engine systems development and R&D. Suhre holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Kevin Hoag

Mr. Hoag has over 45 years of experience in diesel and gasoline engine development, in both industrial and academic environments, and is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He holds the position of Institute Engineer, the highest technical level position at SwRI. He is a past chair of SwRI’s Advisory Committee for Research (ACR). Experience is wide ranging and includes both diesel and spark-ignition combustion, engine performance development and emission control, engine layout and balance, casting, forging and materials, structural fatigue analysis, air handling, cooling, and lubrication systems. Experience also includes significant customer interaction, engine application and service, and engineering education.

Mr. Hoag’s primary expertise is in engine thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics. He also has significant experience in engine temperature control, engine lubrication and wear. Work experience includes two years in automotive heat exchanger development (Modine Mfg.), 16 years in diesel engine development (Cummins, Inc.), and 14 years in engineering education and engine research (University of Wisconsin), prior to joining SwRI in 2013. Through 2023 he held an appointment at the University of Wisconsin, teaching one graduate engineering course by distance each semester. He was awarded Emeritus status at the conclusion of the Fall 2023 term.

Specific highlights of his technical contributions include development of explicit formulation for Second Law analysis of IC engines; Creation and management of the Heat & Fluids group at Cummins, Inc.; Founding director and lead developer of the Master of Engineering in Engine Systems (MEES) program at the University of Wisconsin.

PATENTS & PUBLICATIONS: Seven patents, two textbooks (Vehicular Engine Design, Springer-Verlag, 2015, and Skill Development for Engineers, IEE Press, 1999), and over 35 technical publications. Engine design editor for the Encyclopedia of Automotive Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2015.

HONORS & AWARDS: Arch Colwell Merit Award for Outstanding Technical Publication, Society of Automotive Engineers; Two-time recipient of SAE Outstanding Younger Member Award; Elected Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2017; Directed group at Cummins that received the inaugural Glen L. Martin Award for Corporate Leadership in Continuing Engineering Education from the International Association for Continuing Engineering Education. Emeritus, University of Wisconsin

Todd Fansler

Todd Fansler received a PhD. in physics from Princeton University. He joined the Engine Research Center as an Honorary Fellow in 2012 after retiring as Director (acting) of the Propulsion Systems Research Laboratory at General Motors Research & Development. Most of his 33-year GM career was devoted to using optical diagnostics to study internal-combustion-engine flow fields, fuel sprays, combustion and emissions. His research, publications and presentations have been recognized with awards from SAE, GM, and the Combustion Institute. A Fellow of SAE and of the Institute of Physics, Todd currently serves as Reviews Editor of the International Journal of Engine Research and on the Editorial Board of Measurement Science & Technology.

David Foster

Dr. David Foster is the Phil and Jean Myers Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and former director of the UW Engine Research Center. With over 40 years of experience in diesel and spark-ignition combustion research, he continues to consult for the internal combustion engine industry and U.S. National Laboratories. Dr. Foster holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has taught courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion. His research focuses on improving the understanding of combustion and emissions processes to develop cleaner, more efficient engines. He is a pioneer in applying optical diagnostics to engine systems, including laser-based techniques for in-cylinder measurements. Dr. Foster has received numerous awards for his teaching and research contributions and remains active in advancing propulsion technologies through the Engine Research Center.

Barb Goodrich