Vetter Fuel Challenges

[gregsfc]

I will Grant-53.

The only response I can give to Sendlers railing against diesels is that the world doesn't end today (hopefully), and so, just as I described earlier, a diesel today is not like a diesel before 1992; not even close; and not even like it was in 2006 or even 2010; and exhaust treatment techniques don't end today, and so, while it's true that making a diesel U.S. compliant today with PM and NOx reduction is a very, very tough thing to do, it is no tougher than what engine manufacturers were going through at the end of the first muscle car era when they went to unleaded gas and catalytic converters. Cars and pickups were very unreliable, due mostly to these new components and techniques for meeting newer, tougher emissions standards.

But that doesn't necessarily relate to the future. America's number one selling vehicle will have a diesel in Spring 2018. The future prospect of diesel power trains may in fact die in North America, but if they do, my prediction is that it'll be a temporary death, because technology doesn't end today, and compression-ignition is considerably more economical from a fuel economy stand point than spark-ignition for several reasons; not all having to do with the difference in fuel density. Like I stated, Mazda plans to have a part diesel next year; just because it will burn gasoline doesn't make it a spark-ignition engine; actually, it'll be a hybrid of both, so diesels aren't going to die over here, and the prospect for one on a motorcycle may be a tough prospect today, but it is no indication of the future. There may one day be a breakthough that makes near-zero emission diesels simple and cheap and fuel efficient; we just don't know, because we don't know what engineers will come up with in the future. MB produced the first massed-produced diesel car. In some European markets, diesels are 70% of new auto sales.

[sendler]

Diesel on Bro

[Grant-53]

I remember Detroit carmakers going through the pains of increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions in the late 1970s. A good book on thermodynamics will explain the efficiency of each type of engine. As it stands biodiesel will see more development especially for light trucks, possibly hybrid. Almost any motorcycle under 400 lb. is a gas 4 cycle these days. Has anyone had experience with a Stirling powered generator?

[sendler]

I like free piston linear generator series range extenders.

[Grant-53]

Great to learn something new.

[Erasmo]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

The cost of meeting emission standards was never easy. Trucks, farm tractors, and construction equipment are the primary use of diesel engines. Worked selling parts for fifteen years between NAPA and Case IH. I built and raced slot cars starting in 1966 so I am familiar with electric motors and got a two year degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing. What gets measured gets improved. If emissions is the weakness of automotive diesels then battery technology is the weakness of electric vehicles. Vegetable oil fuels benefit from additives and are renewable but not pollution free. Motorcycles are most sensitive to power to weight comparisons. Right now I am looking at rebuilding a pair of 50cc Honda scooters for my boys. I will look at improving torque, reducing smoke, and streamlining on these antique (30 yr) machines.

Farm tractors and construction equipment are prime candidates for electrification. They don't go very far and need a lot of torque.

Originally Posted by Grant-53

The good news is that electrics are very efficient. The bad news is they are twice as heavy and cost twice as much. Terry got his charge time down to 45 minutes with multiple chargers. E-bikes shine in urban 'stop and go' traffic due to regenerating braking. Dynamic braking replaces the need for anti lock systems. For long distance touring or rural use, biodiesel makes sense. Everyone benefits from drag reduction.

Two weeks ago I met up with Brandon, creator of the Super Charger for motorcycles. His product changes a lot, even on my 2015 bike I can ride for 200km, plug in and be on my way again in 30min. So yes, definitely suitable for rural and touring.

[sendler]

The amount of energy a large farm tractor consumes is immense. We are going to need some mighty long extension cords.

[Grant-53]

Like the GE diesel-electric locomotives and the Letourneau earthmovers. Here's to a safe and enjoyable time at Mid-Ohio.

[FXSTi]

Who was riding a green full fairing east on 96 in Michigan on Thursday? Saw you and engaged in a whole discussion with my wife on why someone would do that to their bike. Looked good to me.

[bschloop]

That green bike is mine. I rode out from Grand Rapids.

Farm tractors and construction equipment are prime candidates for electrification. They don't go very far and need a lot of torque

You might be surprised. During planting, and harvest times farm tractors will literally be running 24hours per day for weeks straight. Doing hundreds of miles in circles. There is absolutely no time to stop and charge.
Some Construction equipment is available in Electric, but often there is no power at the job site until most of the equipment use is finished.