Small Engine Dynamometer and E85 conversion

Presenter Information

Brian Hovey, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Ethan Schauer, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Matt Schmidt, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jon Slater, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 204

Start Date

22-4-2008 8:30 AM

End Date

22-4-2008 10:15 AM

Student's Major

Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Bruce Jones

Mentor's Department

Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

With fuel costs on the rise, many lawn care providers and small engine manufactures are looking for ways to use cost effective alternative fuels while being environmentally friendly. Currently there are few low cost ways to test the effects of alternative fuels in small utility engines. The purpose of our research was done to design and build a testing apparatus that would allow us to test these alternative fuels. This presentation includes the stock engine testing specs and subsequent research and development that was done to improve the overall efficiency, performance, emissions, and fuel consumption of these engines. The information gathered was analyzed to provide the advantages and disadvantages of using ethanol as a viable fuel for small utility engines.