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University of Wisconsin Researchers Investigating Dual-Fuel (Gasoline and Diesel) Partially Premixed Combustion for High-Efficiency, Ultra-Low Emission Combustion; 53% Thermal Efficiency

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Researchers at the University of Wisconsin, led by Dr. Rolf Reitz, are investigating a blended dual-fuel (gasoline and diesel) concept to extend the operating range of partially premixed charge compression ignition combustion by using the varying fuel reactivity of the charge blend, which is determined in real time. Source: Rolf Reitz.

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University of Wisconsin Team Develops High-Yielding Chemical Hydrolysis Process to Release Sugars from Biomass for Cellulosic Fuels and Chemicals

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A University of Wisconsin-Madison research team has developed a chemical process for the hydrolysis of biomass into sugars for subsequent processing into fuels and chemicals that delivers sugar yields approaching those of enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, the hydrolysate products are readily converted into ethanol by microorganisms.

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Light duty RCCI can deliver engine-out Tier 2 Bin 5 NOx; potential for 52% gross indicated efficiency

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Rolf Reitz of the University of Wisconsin found that reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) ( earlier post ) in a light-duty engine can meet Tier 2 Bin 5 NO x levels without aftertreatment, while offering a 4% improvement in fuel consumption and 7.3% A study by Sage Kokjohn, Senior Engineer in Combustion Research at Cummins Inc.,

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Stretchable Batteries Make Flexible Electronics More So

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“For many applications, such as wearables, stretchability is necessary since our skin stretches as we move,” said James Pikul , a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “A A battery that only flexes would feel uncomfortable to wear.” The wire battery, which measures 1.4

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Renewable plastic precursor could reduce cost of cellulosic ethanol by >$2/gallon

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Comparison of costs and MSPs for the DHH pathway with the direct hydrogenolysis pathway. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is in charge of licensing the technology. Source: Click to enlarge. Plant biomass is typically about 40% oxygen by weight, while petroleum oil is less than 0.1%

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Study shows viability of RCCI in a two-stroke engine; higher efficiency than direct-injection spark ignition

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A team at the Engine Research Center (ERC), University of Wisconsin-Madison has demonstrated the viability of reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) in a two-stroke engine. Earlier post.) A paper on their work is published in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering.

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Virent’s biogasoline passes first test in European auto fleet trial

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Virent’s biogasoline was found to cause “no harm” to vehicles in comparison to Shell’s baseline fuel. The development of Virent’s BioForming technology platform is supported through strategic investors including Cargill, Shell and Honda, as well as 115 employees based in Madison, Wisconsin.

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