The Office of Naval Research has given researchers at the University of Wisconsin $2 million to create a tool that can model the performance of various biofuels as part of the military’s ongoing interest in using alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
The use of biofuel to power commercial and military vehicles is still in its early stages, and not all biofuels are created equal. For example, in commercial test flights, Boeing airliners have used different types of biofuel, including one comprised mainly of cooking oil and another made with oil extracted from the seeds of the jatropha shrub.
The Navy has granted University of Wisconsin researchers $2 million to develop a tool that can model the performance of biofuels to help identify one it can use to power aircraft carriers, like the one shown, as well as submarines and other seafaring vehicles. The work is part of the military's ongoing interest in exploring alternative methods to fossil fuels for energy. (Source: Navy)
The Navy has its own set of specific needs for the biofuel it could potentially use to power its vessels, such as they must not be easily flammable nor can they mix with water, according to the university. After researching its options, the Navy has narrowed down a type of diesel biofuel, called hydro-treated vegetable oil, as a focus of research for a potential fuel to power ships, submarines, aircraft carriers, and other seafaring vessels.
Now mechanical engineers at the university are tasked with helping the Navy devise the right blend of characteristics for the fuel -- such as how it burns, how its components interact, and how quickly its combustion reaction starts, according to the university.
Normally, this process would require researchers to test each characteristic for every fuel blend they devise, which is expensive and time-consuming. However, to make this task easier, the research team will use the funding to design a tool to model fuel properties to predict its performance as a viable fuel for the Navy’s needs, said project lead Rolf Reitz, the Wisconsin distinguished professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Madison, in a press release.
"This tool can help them assess whether that fuel makes sense without having to do laborious extensive testing," he said. "They'll still have to do some testing, but this lets them eliminate certain classes right off the bat."
To create a predictive modeling tool for fuel performance, Reitz and his team will use the distribution of components in the fuels themselves. While all fuels include different proportions of the chemicals of which they’re comprised, those chemicals, in combustion experiments, behave similarly. By characterizing how the proportion of chemicals affects the fuel’s behavior through rigorous testing, the team will have a fair idea how fuels will perform. This type of experimentation with various fuels will allow Reitz's team to create a model that can predict the behavior of a biofuel merely on its chemical breakdown.
What an interesting idea. Instead of moving through the long and laborious process of testing each fuel, you can use simulation to determine whether the fuel will work and how it will work.
Ann, true. Most of the advance research outputs are from defence research labs and later on the technologies are transferring to public/private companies for common man benefits. Hopefully we can expect the similar path in case of bio fuel also.
That military-to-private-sector technology development flow is what used to be the case with electronics back in the day (60s, 70s, even 80s), but changed when the whole military picture changed in the late 80s. Now it seems like in other, non-electronics technologies, especially alternative energy, that the military is back in the invention business again, or at least funding it, like they are with a lot of robotics research.
Ann, you are right. I think now a day's private sectors are investing more for R&D, when compare with either public/government sector annual budget. But private companies R&D are exclusive for business or profit purposes and not for common man benefits. I strongly believe that only public/government R&D institutions can do the R&D for common man benefit or for a public cause.
Mydesign, we were specifically discussing military funding, not "government" funding, a broad term that covers many entities. MIlitary funding doesn't benefit the "common man" or "common woman", i.e., citizens, unless they are soldiers, or unless the military entities agree to a technology transfer to the private sector by way of the specific companies doing the R&D. Which government sectors providing R&D funding did you have in mind?
Ann, in my country there is a military owned research and development organization for various defence researches. They used to do research and developments for various military forces including weapons. Most of the technology outcomes from military research are transferred to governments owned companies for production in some other forms, which are benefitted to public. For example, the latest developments in Cryo are used in medical field and light weight metals developed for Space and Missiles are used for making artificial limbs etc.
Thanks for the clarification. The US also has a military-owned agency that funds military R&D, which is DARPA. But here, the government owns the military, and we don't have government-owned companies, as you say your country does. That's a very different setup. Looks like you have a built-in mechanism for technology transfer.
Ann, you are right. Government is funding for R&D in Military and Space applications, but later such technology are transferred to common people in some other different forms like new products, technology, medical treatments etc. Government policy is “we are spending tax payer’s money for R&D, so they are also entitled for some benefits.”
Sounds like your corporate structures aren't burdened by the large walls we erect between public and private sectors. That's got its downsides, too, of course (as do those walls) but at least in this instance it sounds beneficial.
Seems like agood idea but I think auto manufacturers would need a strong incentive to use it in the private sector. If the research labs for BMW or Mercedes used this, it would be a boost and others would follow. German engineers have been very resistant to alternative fuels.
Nadine, that's an interesting comment: "German engineers have been very resistant to alternative fuels." From what I've read, in general biofuels have become more common in road transportation in Europe. Can you tell us more? Do you mean automotive engineers, for instance?
Ann-"From what I've read, in general biofuels have become more common in road transportation in Europe." Yes, they are more common but not fully embraced by luxury car owners/designers.
I look at multiple international sources for infomation. The first time I heard about the biofuel backlash was while watching DW a couple of years ago. A new biofuel was made readily available to consumers across Germany. The reaction from luxury car drivers was intense. "I wouldn't put that crap in my car" was expressed repeatedly. The story went on the interview automotive designers and engineers who were more diplomatic but agreed with the consumers.
I've seen and heard this sentiment repeated, primarily out of Germany, since then. Some luxury designers and engineers in the US are starting to echo this attitude.
I think it just comes from discomfort with the new fuels. It's hard to think something designed to purr on fossil fuel will still run as well on a new source. This tool from the ONR and UW could help progress move faster.
Nadine, thanks for the detailed feedback. I think the fact that you were referring to luxury car owners makes a certain amount of sense. BTW, what is "DW"?
Clever. This is really working smart by eliminating the obvious possibilities before spending time and money on the real candidates. In this case, I feel my tax dollars are being well-spent.
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