Comparing Future Alternative Fuels and Powertrain Technologies for Vehicles
Speaker: Andrew Simpson, ITEE
When: 2003-11-06 10:00:00
Venue: 78-420
Host: Dr Geoff Walker
Abstract:The Australian light-duty vehicle sector is predominantly fuelled by
liquid hydrocarbon fuels derived from crude oil. However, growing
concern over the environmental impacts and oil-dependence associated
with widespread automobile use has prompted the investigation of
alternative fuels and powertrain technologies for motor vehicles. A
variety of candidate fuels and technologies are being considered for
their ability to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and regulated
air pollutants, meanwhile promoting energy independence through the
displacement of oil imports.
This seminar will present the results of a recent study conducted at
The University of Queensland to compare the energy and emissions
performance of a variety of alternative fuels and powertrain
technologies in the Australian context. The alternative fuels
considered includes: unleaded petrol, diesel, LPG, natural gas,
hydrogen, electricity, methanol, ethanol and biodiesel. The
powertrain technologies include: advanced internal combustion engine
vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles and
battery-electric vehicles. The relative performance of various fuel
pathways will be presented in terms of their full-cycle or
"well-to-wheels" energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Biography:Andrew Simpson is a researcher in sustainable vehicle technologies
and energy systems in the School of Information Technology and
Electrical Engineering (ITEE) at The University of Queensland. In
2000, he received his BE (Mechanical) degree with first-class
honours from The University of Queensland. During his degree, he
was awarded the Shell Prize in thermodynamics and heat transfer and
the Kinhill Prize for best honours thesis in mechanical engineering.
He was also a coordinating member of the SunShark solar car team
from 1997-2000. In 2000, he commenced a PhD and co-founded the
University's Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG), and has since
managed the UltraCommuter sustainable concept vehicle project. He
also lectures in electrical power systems within the School of ITEE.
Andrew is currently near completion of his PhD thesis, and his
expertise includes the assessment of alternative fuels and
powertrain technologies in terms of their performance, efficiency,
emissions and cost.
Type: ITEE Seminar
Contact:Dr Geoff Walker, seminar host (walkerg@itee.uq.edu.au)
or Guido Governatori (ITEE seminar co-ordinator)
(guido@itee.uq.edu.au)