E85 Ethanol Efficiency in an Automotive Engine: Utilization of Direct Injection using General Motors EcoTec Engine

Presenter Information

Justin Kunz, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Courtney Roberts, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jonathan Kay, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 204

Start Date

4-4-2011 1:30 PM

End Date

4-4-2011 3:00 PM

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

Team Ecotec consists of 3 undergraduate Automotive Engineer Technology students researching efficiency gains of E85 ethanol. It was found that at substantial similar engine conditions, increasing the ethanol content of the fuel results in higher engine efficiency as well as higher engine power. It was also found that a higher engine compression ratio can increase the efficiency of the ethanol fuel and counter act the reduced amount of energy per gallon of ethanol. The engine of choice for this project was a 2009 LNF 2.0L 4 cylinder, turbo charged GM motor. Research included taking baseline recordings and numbers including power and fuel economy. The engine was modified and recalibrated to benefit the changes for ethanol and was then retested and compared to the original results showing the losses and gains.