This MRI proposal requests funds to purchase a Horiba MEXA-1230PM particulate matter analyzer that will be used to study biofuel combustion products in a multidisciplinary research program. It will complement Georgia Southern?s commitment to renewable energy research and education, demonstrated by its spending over $400,000 to purchase test engines, dynamometers, and analytical instrumentation. While biofuel combustion is typically "cleaner" than that of petroleum, its products, including soot, remain an urgent problem. Support of this proposal will greatly expand Georgia Southern's ability to contribute new ideas and approaches to the fields of biofuel formulation, combustion, and emissions, while enhancing both undergraduate and Master of Science education and research experience. The requested instrument will be used by our faculty in engineering, combustion, controls, public health, and chemistry as well as qualified researchers throughout the region. Six faculty from the Allen E. Paulson College of Science and Technology, one from Jiann Ping Hsu College of Public Health, and three researchers from the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center helped to prepare this proposal.
14.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Intellectual Merit: The proposed research is transformative, with the potential to increase internal combustion engine efficiency, resulting in reformulated biofuels that meet or surpass emissions regulations. Integrated theoretical, computational, and experimental studies of neat methyl esters advanced basic knowledge and applied technology in advanced combustion, efficient emissions control, and biofuels formulation. Classical combustion and low-temperature combustion, which minimizes in-cylinder NOx and particulate matter (PM), have been compared by investigating reactivity controlled compression ignition, and a mixed mode coupled to compression ignition direct injection and indirect diesel injection with biofuels. The interdisciplinary team assessed engine control and performance, biofuel formulation, and public health concerns related to emissions. Broader Impacts: The requested instrument and resulting research contributed to: a. Completing the state-of-the-art instrumentation GSU’s Renewable Energy Laboratory and allowing to study biofuels from formulation to emissions. This facility is emerging as among the best in the southeast, and results of these studies will create green economic opportunities related to biofuels and next-generation clean engines. b. Unique opportunities for diverse undergraduate and Master’s-level engineering and science students to carry out innovative research in renewable energy and biofuel emissions. Students presented their results and technical papers at regional and national conferences. c. Outreach, by increasing awareness of alternative energy science and technology among high school students. d. Regional partnerships among GSU, engine and automotive companies, Herty Advanced Materials Development Center, Southwest Diesel Collaborative EPA region 4, for improved workforce development and applications in green technology. e. Increased use of biofuels translating into increased energy security for the United States
