Super-Compound Engines Enable Multi-Fuel Vehicles to Match Efficiency of Diesel-Powered Vehicle - Fact Sheet

Publication Number:    CEC-500-2012-FS-023

Abstract:
Light‐duty truck fuel economy has improved less than one mile per gallon in the last 25 years. Light‐duty truck engines historically have poor efficiency, converting only 20 percent of gasoline into useful work. Multifuel compound engine technologies make it possible to increase efficiency, as well as displace conventional gasoline by using other fuels, such as natural gas. Existing multi‐fuel engines in the light‐truck segment use lowcompression ratio, non‐turbocharged, nonhybrid technologies that have poor lightload efficiency. To achieve broader use of natural gas vehicles, these vehicles should be multifuel capable. Detailed models are necessary to establish whether this technology is feasible.

Author(s):  Erik Stokes

Commission Division:    Technology Systems Division - R&D, PIER (500)

Office/Program:    PIER: Public Interest Energy Research

PIER Program Area:    Transportation Research

Date Published:    May 2012

Date On Line:    05/15/2012

Acrobat PDF File Size: 2 pages, 172 kilobytes