Category: Multi-Slide Guides

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Simultaneous GHG and Criteria Pollutants Reduction for Off-Road Powertrains

September 15, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project, 38% complete with $2.98M total funding, targets ≥10% GHG and ≥90% NOx reduction (<0.04 g/kW-hr) for off-road powertrains by 2025. Key future engine technologies include cylinder deactivation and high-efficiency turbochargers, showing preliminary 10% CO2 reduction. Multiple aftertreatment configurations (e.g., dual SCR, e-heater, fuel burner) are being explored. An incremental cost analysis reveals a […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to SAF Contrail Modeling

September 14, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project, 33% complete with $400k in FY24 funding, aims to develop predictive chemistry and particle microphysics models for SAF contrail formation, a major climate impact driver (57.4 mW/m2 Effective Radiative Forcing). A multi-scale ice nucleation model is being constructed, using machine-learned molecular dynamics potentials that scale linearly for efficient simulation. The SAF Grand Challenge […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Multi-Phase Flow Studies of SAFs

September 11, 2025 | Jim Lane

This $550k (exp) + $175k (sim) FY24 project, running until 2027, focuses on X-ray diagnostics and high-fidelity CFD for SAF internal flow and atomization. Critical insights into as-built nozzle geometry (25 µm foreign object, micron-scale helical grooves) influencing spray morphology have been revealed. New window designs validate >150 bar performance for high-pressure experiments. A GPU-accelerated […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to SAF Combustion and Contrail Formation Research

September 10, 2025 | Jim Lane

This DOE-funded project, 60% complete with $450k in FY24 funding, investigates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) combustion and contrail formation, particularly linking soot to ice nucleation. Research shows aromatics produce 4-8 times more soot, with cyclo-alkane blends offering an 80% soot reduction compared to traditional jet fuel components. A desktop aero-engine reactor network provides rapid, accurate […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Methanol-fueled Engines for Marine and Off-road Applications

September 9, 2025 | Jim Lane

A four-year CRADA (FY23-26) with $2.0M DOE and $2.04M Caterpillar in-kind funding, this project is 35% complete, focusing on methanol as a promising decarbonization fuel for hard-to-electrify applications. Three combustion strategies are investigated, including port fuel injection and prechamber spark ignition. Maersk’s commitment to 730,000 tons of green methanol annually highlights the market. Accomplishments include […]

The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Predictive CFD Tools for Low-Carbon Fueled Off-Road IC Engines

September 8, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project, 15% complete as of March 2024, is developing predictive CFD tools for hydrogen and methanol-fueled off-road engines. With $600k DOE funding and $450k industry cost-share in FY24, it aims to address limited understanding of low-carbon fuel impact. Key accomplishments include identifying hydrogen mixing model deficiencies, assessing combustion model shortcomings, and completing DNS setups, […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Implementing Low Lifecycle Carbon Fuels on Locomotives

September 7, 2025 | Jim Lane

This CRADA project with Wabtec and ORNL focuses on implementing low lifecycle carbon fuels, particularly hydrogen, in locomotive engines. A new research facility at ORNL’s NTRC is being established, featuring a Wabtec single-cylinder engine and extensive infrastructure upgrades for electrical, air, fuel, oil, and coolant systems. Hydrogen storage and delivery systems are designed. The approach […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Hydrogen Combustion for Locomotive Engines via CFD

September 4, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project develops and validates advanced CFD tools for hydrogen combustion in large-bore locomotive engines, aiming for up to 100% H2 operation. Simulations evaluated hydrogen substitution rates, diesel injection parameters, and compression ratios on combustion performance. Key findings showed a shift from mixing-controlled to flame propagation combustion with increasing H2, identifying conditions leading to high […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Off-Road Decarbonized Fuel Transient Performance

September 3, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project evaluates the transient performance of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICEs) for off-road vehicle decarbonization. Utilizing an Engine-in-Loop (EIL) facility, the team demonstrated closed-loop tractor duty cycles with a Navistar diesel engine, developing and validating agricultural tractor models. Infrastructure for H2 fueling is complete. Key findings include presented fuel consumption and NOx emissions for […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Slashing PGM in Catalytic Converters

September 2, 2025 | Jim Lane

This “atoms-to-autos” project aims to reduce Platinum Group Metal (PGM) use in catalytic converters by 50%. It focuses on developing catalysts with single-atoms or small ensembles of palladium and rhodium, alongside engineered support materials for enhanced aging resistance. The project achieved 60% PGM thrifting at the core sample level with equivalent performance and identified optimal […]

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