Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Automotive Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Automotive Engineering

An Economic Analysis Of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production: Implementation Of Ethyl Ester Production In A Job Shop Setting, Scott Haase, Benjamin Craig Aug 2014

An Economic Analysis Of Small-Scale Biodiesel Production: Implementation Of Ethyl Ester Production In A Job Shop Setting, Scott Haase, Benjamin Craig

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Biodiesel is becoming a demanded consumer automotive alternative fuel used in diesel vehicles today. An emerging trend is toward small-scale biodiesel production performed by the final consumer. A limited source of commercially available production systems exists and has resulted in many systems being designed and built by the user. Preliminary research conducted by the authors has shown biodiesel to be the least-cost alternative to petroleum diesel after as few as 8 months of system use. This study examines the economic viability of building and producing biodiesel using a small-scale production system versus buying consumer petroleum diesel. During production, measurements were …


The Effects Of Low-Level Ethanol Blends In 4-Stroke Small Non-Road Engines, Chris Reek Jan 2014

The Effects Of Low-Level Ethanol Blends In 4-Stroke Small Non-Road Engines, Chris Reek

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Small Non-Road Engines (SNRE's) abound in numbers and are used daily by consumers and businesses alike. Considering the atmosphere of change looming in the air regarding alternative fuels, this particular engine classification will also be affected by any change in standardization of fuels. This body of research attempts to address possible ways SNRE's can change their operational characteristics after being fueled by specific yet differing fuels. These characteristics will be contrasted against blends of ethanol with gasoline, from 0% ethanol to 20% ethanol, run on test engines to determine patterns, if any, of these characteristics. Topics include: materials compatibility, engine …