Abstract
Aqueous fuels have the potential for lower emissions and higher engine efficiency than can be experienced with gasoline or diesel fuels. Past attempts to burn aqueous fuels in over-the-road vehicles have been unsuccessful due to difficulties in initiating combustion. For this project, we adapted and used SmartPlug - catalytic igniter technology developed by Automotive Resources, Inc. (Sandpoint, Idaho) - in a transit van supplied by Valley Transit of Lewiston, Idaho. The adaptation entailed retrofitting the cylinders with total seal piston rings, installing corrosion-proof components in the fuel system, and reprogramming the fuel computer. We completed several hundred miles of vehicle testing to demonstrate the robustness of the conversion. Future emission studies are planned to quantify the emission reduction associated with the use of aqueous fuels.. The information gained on this project will enable future conversions achieving higher efficiencies and lower emissions than currently possible on existing platforms.