Simon Ng

Educational programs on alternative energy technology with focus on hybrid electric-drive engineering and technology

This paper reviews the educational program development of alternative energy technology at Wayne State University and specifically describes the development and implementation of a set of 2+2+2 programs in electric drive vehicle engineering and technology, including a Masters Degree in Electric-drive Vehicle Engineering (EVE), a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Transportation Technology (ETT), and Associates Degrees in Automotive Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology with emphasis on electric-drive vehicles. The programs also include certificates with Electric Vehicle Technology courses, an undergraduate concentration and a graduate certificate program in EVE, and to simultaneously provide for general public and consumer education. The programs aim to prepare our current and future workforce with the education and skills necessary for the advancement and maintenance of electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV).

Effects of B20 on Emissions and the Performance of a Diesel Particulate Filter in a Light-Duty Diesel Engine

This paper compares 20% bio-diesel (B20-choice white grease) fuel with baseline ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel on the emissions and performance of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) coupled to a light-duty 4-cylinder 2.8-liter common-rail DI diesel engine. The present paper focuses on the comparison of the fuel effects on loading and active regeneration of the DPF between B20 and ULSD. B20, in general, produces less soot and has lower regeneration temperature compared to soot loaded with ULSD. NO2 concentrations before the DPF were found to be 6% higher with B20, indicating more availability of NO2 to oxidize the soot. Exhaust speciation of the NO2 availability indicates that the slight increase in NOx from B20 is not the dominant cause for the lower temperature regeneration and faster regeneration rate but the reactivity of the soot that is in the DPF. Formaldehyde concentrations are found to be higher with B20 during regeneration due to increased oxygen concentrations in the exhaust stream. Finally the oil dilution effect due to post injection to actively regenerate the DPF is also investigated using a prototype oil sensor and FTIR instrumentation. Utilizing an active regeneration strategy accentuates the possibility of fuel oil dilution of the engine oil. The onboard viscosity oil sensor used was in good agreement with the viscosity bench test and FTIR analysis and provided oil viscosity measurement over the course of the project. Operation with B20 shows significant fuel dilution and needs to be monitored to prevent engine deterioration.Copyright