Selectable supply fuel measurement system for alternative liquid fuels testing
Sherer, Ian C.
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130005
Description
Title
Selectable supply fuel measurement system for alternative liquid fuels testing
Author(s)
Sherer, Ian C.
Issue Date
2025-06-19
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Allen, Cody M
Department of Study
Agricultural & Biological Engr
Discipline
Engr Tech & Mgmt for Ag Sys
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
diesel, testing, fuel rate, engine
Abstract
Research on alternative fuels can be limited by the small quantities available for testing. Developing a selectable supply fuel measurement system can facilitate research of limited amounts of alternative fuels by allowing for the transition between conventional diesel and alternative fuels during testing. A system was designed to select between two fuel types, allowing researchers to conserve research fuel while enabling data collection to provide insights into the impact of alternative fuels on engine operation. The system features one tank for startup and reaching steady-state conditions using conventional diesel fuel and a second tank for research fuels. This selectable supply fuel measurement system was built and then validated to ensure repeatability between load cells, comparing CAN bus logger fuel rate measurements with load cell fuel rates, and verifying the timing of fuel homogenization during the transition between fuels. The key findings of these validation tests include consistent and repeatable fuel rate measurements across three operating conditions between the load cells. During validation tests at three power levels (14 kW, 48 kW, and 73 kW), the fuel rate readings from both load cells were within 0.054 kg/min, 0.192 and 0.194 kg/min, and 0.264 and .265 kg/min. Performance variations were identified between CAN bus logger measurements and load cell fuel rates. Lastly, a functionality test to determine proper research procedures confirmed a 9 to 14-minute time frame for complete fuel homogenization after transitioning between the startup and research fuel. This system provides infrastructure for alternative fuels research in the University of Illinois ABE Powertrain Lab, contributing to reduced fossil fuel dependence by more efficiently utilizing waste resources.
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