Biodiesel Combustion and Its Influence on No x Emissions

1. Biodiesel Combustion and Its Influence on Nox Emissions Kathyrn Spates Biology teacher Barbara Jordan High School for Careers Houston ISD Dr. Timothy Jacobs Assistant Professor Advanced Engine Research Laboratory Department of Mechanical Engineering Texas A&M University

2. Dr. Timothy Jacobs • PhD in Mechanical Engineering 2005 University of Michigan • Head of Advanced Engine Research Laboratory • published one book chapter on IC engines, seven refereed journal articles, and four conference papers • active in both the Society of Automotive Engineers and American Society of Mechanical Engineers

3. The Advanced Engine Research Laboratory is a research program housed at Texas A&M University with the long-range purpose of advancing energy conversion for internal combustion engines. This purpose is met through fundamental experimental and theoretical investigations of:  in-cylinder combustion processes, the coupling to advanced concepts, the use of alternative fuels, and the integration of exhaust after treatment systems. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

4. Research Quad • Alternative and Bio-based Fuels • Ignition characteristics • Impact on combustion • Resulting emissions • Low Temperature Combustion • Attainment and development • In-cylinder mixture formation and burn temperatures • Advanced Diesel Combustion • In-cylinder transient emissions formation • Heat transfer and fluid phenomenon • Advanced Aftertreatment • Diesel oxidation catalysts • Lean NOx Traps / Urea SCR

5. Why Biodiesel Energy Policy Act of 2005—amended the Clean Air Act to establish a Renewable Fuel Standard Biodiesel is a renewable fuel Biodiesel fuel has gained public appeal for its promise to contribute toward a sustainable energy system and reduce the emission of carbon into the atmosphere.

6. RELEVANCE • With the depletion of fossil fuels there is a need for alternative energy resources • Biodiesel is a recognized alternative energy source under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 • Environmentally safe • Economical • Performs at or better than current fuels

7. Research Assignment What role can biodiesel play in reducing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from the transportation sector?

8. Current Carbon Cycle: Using fossil fuels is causing an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)

9. Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming ---The rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun. This has contributed to:

10. Implications of Global Warming Melting of the ice caps with increased sea levels occurring Chaotic weather changes—droughts and/or floods Decreased crop yields and decreased arable land availability

11. Biodiesel recycles the carbon dioxide causing no net change in CO2

12. Research Activities Attend a weekly seminar on Internal Combustion (IC) engine fundamentals Attend defense of thesis of graduating students to gain an awareness of research done in engine lab Observe and participate during an engine test when performed

13. Perform literature search for current findings on biodiesel and CO2 emissions • Compile my findings • Develop a WebQuest for my students

14. Summary Gain an awareness of biodiesel and its implications on the environment i.e. Carbon Cycle Integrate engineering concepts into my curriculum Demonstrate the real-world application of science through engineering

15. Classroom Lesson • Produce an proposal for using biodiesel. • How is biodiesel beneficial? • Compare/contrast biodiesel to petroleum diesel. • What are the implications of using biodiesel as it pertains to greenhouse gas emissions?

16. Acknowledgements Dr. Timothy Jacobs—my mentor Texas A&M University for the opportunity NSF for funding E3 Program David Gutierrez--E3 partner