[Bioconversion] Atkinson cycle and 2nd generation energy carriers like DME?

[Gerald Comeau]

Ken and list,
   
  This is interesting.  I looked on the internet for the Atkinson engine and there is a good animated picture showing how it works at http://www.answers.com/topic/atkinson-cycle
   
  I've been exploring with an American scientist in the field of catalysis, and he showed me how using biomass as the raw material feedstock he could convert the derived syngas to dimethyl ether (DME).  I looked into the use of DME as an alternative to diesel oil fuel.  Volvo had a couple of experimental vehicles on the road, but the last thing I read they were getting into projects with long timelines, like 2025 or something foolish like that, which is just to say they like talking about it.  Has anyone any idea on mass production of engiens that can use DME as a transportation fuel?
   
  Gerald
  
Ken Boak <ken.boak at gmail.com> wrote:
  Jeff & list,

It would be interesting to ascertain whether the extra complexity and
manufacturing energy costs associated with the new high pressure diesel fuel
injection systems, is outweighed by the fuel savings made over the lifecycle
of the vehicle.

There is no question that all auto manufacturers are investing in new diesel
technology, as the "next big thing" and the means to improve their vehicle
efficiency. It looks like that in this two horse race, the manufacturers
have chosen to back th diesel as the winner.

Never the less, there is work continuing on Atkinson cycle engines, and the
hybrid Toyota Prius uses such an engine.

The early hybrids (Toyota, Honda) have all used gasoline engines. This was a
deliberate marketing ploy by the manufacturers to make them acceptable to
the US market. At the time of their development in the mid-90s it was
inconceivable that a diesel would ever sell in the US.

It is likely that the 2nd generation hybrids will utilise diesel engines
(particularly those developed in Europe) - such as the GM Opel Astra and
Peugeot.

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/100_news/astra_011005.html

My own experimentation lies in he use of dual fuel for slow speed diesel
engines. The veg oil trials have been fairly successful, and I have a back
up supply of power and heat for my home, powered by filtered waste vegetable
oil.

The next phase of development is to produce a reliable woodchip gasifier and
gas filtration system.

www.powercubes.com/listers.html for some of the work in progress.



Ken


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Gerald Comeau 
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Fredericton 
New Brunswick 
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