Small Engines Team
Location
CSU 204
Start Date
9-4-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
9-4-2012 2:00 PM
Student's Major
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Gary Mead
Mentor's Department
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
In August 2013 all Minnesota gas pumps will be required to have gasoline containing 20% ethanol, compared to 10% at the moment. This research study focused on the effect of mid-level ethanol blends on small non-road engines. Currently, almost all non-road engines are rated only for 10% ethanol, or E10 fuel. The study will aid manufacturers and the EPA in predicting the effects of mid- level ethanol blends in small engines. This change could result in small engines having shorter life spans and diminished performance.
This study tested leaf blowers and weed whackers. They were tested in E0, E10, E15 and E20 (% Ethanol content). There were two engines using the same fuel, four fuels, thus 8 engines per test. The engines had tests performed on them to determine the position they will be able to run, such as upside down, pointed up, etc. Each engine was aged 125 hours as per the manufacturer’s specifications with tests conducted at the two hour break in, 62.5 hour half life, and 125 hour marks. The engines were operated at an interval of 2:20 minutes wide open throttle, and 0:20 minutes idle. The engines were loaded with the attachments they were intended to be used with. Temperature measurements at six different points of the engine were monitored to ensure accurate representations of the effects each fuel has on the engines. The data collected was instrumental in the future of small non-road engines and how they perform with E20, as well as natural resource sustainment.
Small Engines Team
CSU 204
In August 2013 all Minnesota gas pumps will be required to have gasoline containing 20% ethanol, compared to 10% at the moment. This research study focused on the effect of mid-level ethanol blends on small non-road engines. Currently, almost all non-road engines are rated only for 10% ethanol, or E10 fuel. The study will aid manufacturers and the EPA in predicting the effects of mid- level ethanol blends in small engines. This change could result in small engines having shorter life spans and diminished performance.
This study tested leaf blowers and weed whackers. They were tested in E0, E10, E15 and E20 (% Ethanol content). There were two engines using the same fuel, four fuels, thus 8 engines per test. The engines had tests performed on them to determine the position they will be able to run, such as upside down, pointed up, etc. Each engine was aged 125 hours as per the manufacturer’s specifications with tests conducted at the two hour break in, 62.5 hour half life, and 125 hour marks. The engines were operated at an interval of 2:20 minutes wide open throttle, and 0:20 minutes idle. The engines were loaded with the attachments they were intended to be used with. Temperature measurements at six different points of the engine were monitored to ensure accurate representations of the effects each fuel has on the engines. The data collected was instrumental in the future of small non-road engines and how they perform with E20, as well as natural resource sustainment.
Recommended Citation
Olson, Ryan. "Small Engines Team." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 9, 2012.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2012/oral-session-09/3
