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

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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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
MTU Administration
SFI Directorate
SFI External Advisory Board
SFI Partners & Graduate Scholars
College of Engineering
College of Sciences & Arts
Civ & Env Matl Sci. BioMed
Geo & Min Electrical Engr Fund
Chemical Mechanical
Social Sci.
Computer Sci.
Biology Chemistry Physics
School of Business & Econ.
Center for Sci
& Env Outreach
Educational
Opportunity
Center
NSF
IGERT
School of Forest Resources
and Environmental Science
NSF
MUSES,
W2W
NSF REU
Site
NSF Major
Research
Infrastructure
SFI AFFILIATED CENTERS / INITIATIVES
www.sfi.mtu.edu
Bio-Fuels Research
Forest Resources
Bio-processing
Biotechnology/Genetic
engineering
Enzyme improvement
Forest policy and
management
Pilot plant operations
Metabolic engineering
Carbon cycling
Michigan Tech’s Expertise
Vehicle/Engines
Assessment/Decisions
Engine research
Technology evaluation
Engine tests w/emissions
Logistics and facilities
Hybrid vehicle design
Life-cycle,
environmental, and
policy assessments
Vehicle dynamometer
Bio-Fuels Research
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Completed Projects:
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Ongoing Projects:
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NSF – Plant Genome Research Project
NSF – Biocomplexity - Materials Use: Science Engineering and Society (MUSES)
project on lignocellulosic-based ethanol production
MTU Research Excellence Program –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
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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
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Caterpillar – Evaluation of Low Greenhouse Gas Bio-Based Energy Technologies”
American Process, Inc. (API) – Co-production of pulp and ethanol from wood
Pending Projects:
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
Wood-to-Wheels (W2W) Concept
Research Thematic Areas
Sustainability
Assessments /
Decision-Making
Bio-Processing Research
Photo: Glacial Lakes Energy
CO2
Saturn Hybrid
Woody Biomass Resource Research
Vehicle Systems Research
W2W Cellulosic Ethanol Research Impacts:
Displacement of US Petroleum Consumption
Biobased Fuel with
Bioprocess + ICE Optimization
39%
Biobased Fuel
30%
1 Billion
Tons of
Biomass
Petroleum
70%
Engines &
Vehicles Optimization
Potential Bio Impact
8,000
2005
US Petroleum
Consumption
(Millions of Barrels)
Flex-Fuel
Hybrid
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
Total
Persian Gulf
Imports
Biomass
Bio+ICE Opt
Hydrogen Fuel Cells Research
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Expertise
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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 EGator 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
Questions?
Midwestern land cover (USFS North
Central Research Station image)