Diesel – Electric Vehicles Mike Warmack HC 399 – Hybrid, Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles November 18, 2008

Diesel 101 What is diesel? Petroleum diesel (petrodiesel) is a heavy distillate from crude oil Chemical composition ranges from C 9 H 20 to C 16 H 34 Gasoline ranges between C 5 H 12 and C 8 H 18 Used in diesel engines, designed by Rudolf Diesel in 1892 Can alternatively be produced from biomass, coal liquidification walbrofuelpump.org, Retrieved 11/11/08

Diesel 102 How does it compare to gasoline? Can be produced from hydrocarbons with transesterification Not as explosive as gasoline, fewer vapors eia.doe.gov, afdc.energy.gov, encarta.msn.com Retrieved 11/11/08 DieselGasoline Energy content129,000 BTU117,000 BTU Specific gravity7.09 lbs. / US gal.6.01 lbs. / US gal. Engine compression20 : 18 : 1 Current avg. price$2.94 / US gallon$2.22 / US Gallon Proportional cost61 % from crude67 % from crude Engine efficiency40 %25 % (Otto Cycle)

Diesel 103 How does it work? Similar to a gasoline engine’s cycles: Intake – pulls in air and fuel into the cylinder Compression – piston reduces the volume Ignition – a spark plug ignites the gas and volume expands o No spark plug in diesel, combusts under higher compression Exhaust – piston reduces the volume with valves open nwwin.com Retrieved 11/11/08

Diesel 201 What are the advantages of using diesel? Fuel Economy Higher compression ratio results in more efficient combustion Slower depreciation Diesel power trains tend to last longer More torque and power Good for acceleration and towing Longer cylinder stroke for compression, larger crankshaft Tax benefits Qualify for similar alternative vehicle tax incentives as hybrids ~ $1,500 tax credit Biofuels are easy to use Any diesel vehicle can use biodiesel with simple conversion kit

Diesel 202 What are the disadvantages of using diesel? Vehicle availability (private vehicles) Higher emission standards are difficult to design for Fuel availability Not all service stations carry diesel (private vehicles) US refineries produce less diesel, smaller supply Emissions Less CO2 emissions from more efficient combustion Particulate and NOx emissions are greater Price In private vehicles, diesel can cost $1K-5K more Emissions controls are expensive Diesel fuel is taxed more in the United States autos.yahoo.com Retrieved 11/17/08

Common Diesels motortrend.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 Pickup Trucks driverscdlstaffing.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 Commercial Trucking Mass Transportation portlandonline.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 Need to haul large loads Higher torque for towing Better fuel economy for power

Diesel-Electric 101 What is diesel-electric? The diesel-electric system is usually serial Not necessarily hybrid, no energy storage A diesel engine drives a electric generator Electric motors are directly connected to propulsion Why not directly connect the engine to propulsion? Complex systems necessary to connect to one engine Extensive gearing required to stay in power band Why is diesel-electric used? The diesel is used to generate electricity efficiently Electric motors don’t need gearing to be efficient

Common Diesel-Electrics siemens.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 Shipping – Azimuth Thrusters Lostworld.pair.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 Rail Locomotives Large chassis – Able to house equipment Large loads – Need lots of power Multiple drives – Propellers, drive axels Less aesthetic – For industrial use Diesel-electric meets all of their needs

Diesel-Electric Hybrids Are they different than gasoline-electric hybrids? Recapture kinetic energy and store for later use Monitor idling Will operate in a serial hybrid system About 25% less fuel consumption Why current diesel-electrics are ideal for hybrid technology Able to accommodate additional equipment Not as concerned about size Matches efficiency with more efficiency Other benefits Smaller engine that is only run at maximum efficiency Improved acceleration Quieter, no idling, no startup plume jcwinnie.biz, Retrieved 11/17/08

Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses jcwinnie.biz, Retrieved 11/17/08 Similar buses used in Seattle, San Francisco, Eugene

Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses Projected benefits of diesel-electric hybrid buses 37% less CO 2 Up to 50% less nitrogen oxide Up to 50% less particulates About 25% less fuel consumption Problems Not a mature market Design not perfected Maintenance facilities will need to train on new tech jcwinnie.biz, Retrieved 11/17/08

DE Hybrid Locomotives Railpower Technologies – Green Goat Rail yard switch locomotive High idle time, stop and go 2000 HP 80% reduction of NOx In production railpower.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 GE Ecomagination Locomotive Long-haul locomotive Equivalent to removing 1/3 cars Not in production ge.ecomagination.com, Retrieved 11/17/08

Personal Diesel Hybrids Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid Parallel hybrid 70 mpg Realistic concept wired.com, Retrieved 11/17/08 Citeron C4 Parallel/Dual mode 69 mpg Europe in 2010 autoblog.com, Retrieved 11/17/08

DE Thoughts Why not invest in all-electrics? Gap between oil economy and next step Progression in efficiency Gasoline -> diesel Diesel -> diesel-electric Diesel-electric -> DE hybrids DE hybrids -> full-electric Proven technology Minimal change in infrastructure Service stations Delivery Refining Better range than electric vehicles Diesel easier to use in extreme environments Commercial will resist /never change to 100% electric Not economic Compromise with DEH

DE Thoughts Diesel vs. ethanol Ethanol has about half efficiency of gasoline, third of diesel Expensive engine controls to convert to ethanol/flexfuel Biodiesel can be used with minimal conversion to engines Ethanol has similar profile to gasoline and is closed cycle Biodiesel can be a closed cycle process Diesel emissions controls can limit particulates, NOx Higher diesel cost related to use Higher cost will encourage efficiency In turn, better technology Also, more efficient means of use (train vs. truck) Greater awareness of environmental impacts Political will

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