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Programs in Alternative Vehicular Transportation Systems at MTU

Programs in Alternative Vehicular Transportation Systems at MTU. David R. Shonnard Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 Presentation to US-Brazil Teleconference June 18, 2007. How is Michigan Tech Addressing the Sustainability Challenge?.

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Programs in Alternative Vehicular Transportation Systems at MTU

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  1. Programs in Alternative Vehicular Transportation Systems at MTU David R. Shonnard Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 Presentation to US-Brazil Teleconference June 18, 2007

  2. How is Michigan Tech Addressing the Sustainability Challenge? • Sustainable Futures Institute:Established – January 2004 • 60 faculty/staff and 30 graduate scholars engaged in research and education MISSION Create and disseminate new principles, processes, and products that support / promote sustainable development Sustainable Futures Institute www.sfi.mtu.edu

  3. MTU Administration SFI Directorate SFI External Advisory Board SFI Partners & Graduate Scholars College of Engineering Civ & Env Matl Sci. BioMed Geo & Min Electrical Engr Fund Chemical Mechanical College of Sciences & Arts Social Sci. Computer Sci. Biology Chemistry Physics School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science School of Business & Econ. Center for Sci & Env Outreach Educational Opportunity Center NSF IGERT NSF MUSES, W2W NSF REU Site NSF Major Research Infrastructure SFI AFFILIATED CENTERS / INITIATIVES www.sfi.mtu.edu

  4. Bio-Fuels Research Forest Resources Biotechnology/Genetic engineering Forest policy and management Carbon cycling Bio-processing Enzyme improvement Pilot plant operations Metabolic engineering Michigan Tech’s Expertise Vehicle/Engines Engine research Engine tests w/emissions Hybrid vehicle design Vehicle dynamometer Assessment/Decisions Technology evaluation Logistics and facilities Life-cycle, environmental, and policy assessments

  5. Bio-Fuels Research • Completed Projects: • Caterpillar – Evaluation of Low Greenhouse Gas Bio-Based Energy Technologies” • American Process, Inc. (API) – Co-production of pulp and ethanol from wood • Ongoing Projects: • NSF – Plant Genome Research Project • NSF – Biocomplexity - Materials Use: Science Engineering and Society (MUSES) project on lignocellulosic-based ethanol production • MTU Research ExcellenceProgram –Peptidomimetic research project • NSF – Major Research Instrumentation project on combustion vessel to be integrated into MTU Alternative Fuels Combustion Laboratory • GM – Ethanol Flex-Fuel Engine Optimization • NSF – Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program (IGERT) project • NSF – Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) project • UOP LLC – Life Cycle Assessment Comparing Green Diesel to Biodiesel • Pending Projects: • MTU – Wood-to-Wheels Graduate Enterprise • NSF – Engineering Research Center (ERC) Wood-to-Wheels • GM – Forestry Biomass for Co-Production of Biofuels and Biopolymers Project • DCX – Multi-cylinder ethanol engine research program

  6. NSF MUSES: Renewable Energy from Forest Resources: An Investigation into the Viability of Large-Scale Production of Sustainable Transportation Fuels from Lignicellulosic Biomass School of Forestry (3), Chemical Engineering (1), Mechanical Engineering (1), Environmental Engineering (1), Social Science (2) $1.7 million, 2005-2010

  7. Wood-to-Wheels (W2W) ConceptResearch Thematic Areas Sustainability Assessments / Decision-Making Bio-Processing Research Photo: Glacial Lakes Energy CO2 Saturn Hybrid Woody Biomass Resource Research Vehicle Systems Research

  8. Potential Bio Impact 8,000 2005 US PetroleumConsumption (Millions of Barrels) 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Total Persian GulfImports Biomass Bio+ICE Opt W2W Cellulosic Ethanol Research Impacts:Displacement of US Petroleum Consumption Biobased Fuel with Bioprocess + ICE Optimization 39% Biobased Fuel30% Flex-Fuel Hybrid 1 Billion Tons ofBiomass Engines &Vehicles Optimization Petroleum70%

  9. Hydrogen Fuel Cells Research • Expertise • Polymers, Composite and Membrane materials • Heat transfer and fluid flow applied to fuel cells • Hydrogen internal combustion engine • Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells • Hybrid Powertrains • Activities • John Deere – MTU E-Gator team retrofitted a John Deere E-Gator with a hydrogen PEM fuel cell • Army Research Labs – the Keweenaw Research Center of Michigan Tech has built a fuel cell powered unmanned ground vehicle • MTU – Alternative Fuels Group (AFG) Enterprise • NSF Grant Opportunities for Liaison with Industry (GOALI) project – recyclable polymer with multiple carbon fillers for lightweight fuel cell bipolar plates. • MTU - Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) team

  10. Questions? Midwestern land cover (USFS North Central Research Station image)

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