DETROIT ? NextEnergy has partnered with Wayne State University to open the National Biofuel Energy Lab at WSU’s TechTown accelerator in downtown Detroit. The first-of-its kind biofuel technology development lab is made possible through a $2 million Energy Department grant.
The lab is part of NextEnergy?s Biodiesel Value Chain Initiative, an approach to researching and developing biodiesel use, including innovative agricultural methods to grow energy crops, fuel optimization and state-of-the-art biodiesel production. The National Biofuel Energy Lab is scheduled to open later this year.
NextEnergy will also use a grant from the State of Michigan Energy Office to undertake a biodiesel education initiative geared towards high school students.
Biodiesel is fuel made from renewable resources, such as vegetable oil, which can either be recycled from restaurants or culled from organically grown crops such as soy and sunflower. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, and has significantly fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel when burned. B20 ? which refers to the percentage of fuel made from biodiesel, for instance 20 percent renewable, natural oils with 80 percent fossil fuel ? is considered the best blend for everyday use in conventional diesel engines.
The ultimate goal of the National Biofuel Energy Lab is to develop and strengthen B20 specifications and standards in order to facilitate widespread warrant of B20 use by vehicle and engine OEMs and component suppliers.<>
Wayne State University professors, graduate students and Ph. D. candidates from the school?s College of Engineering will conduct the day-to-day research and experiments carried out in the lab onsite at the NextEnergy Center. WSU College of Engineering Professors Simon Ng and Naeim Henein will manage lab activity.
In addition to NextEnergy and Wayne State University, several partners will be involved in contributing to the National Biofuel Energy Lab, including:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will supply engines used for research.
Biodiesel Industries, the nation?s largest biodiesel refiner, based in Santa Barbara, Calif., will aid in the production and development of biodiesel fuel.
Delphi Corporation, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, based in Troy, Mich., will provide emission management technology and fuel injectors.
Robert Bosch Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology.
US Army Tank and Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), the nation?s laboratory for advanced military automotive technology, located in Warren, Michigan.
Bosch and TARDEC will provide test facilities and personnel for fuel evaluation work. Their activities will support and complement work being performed at the NextEnergy Center laboratories.
In other news, NextEnergy will also use a grant from the State of Michigan Energy Office to undertake a biodiesel education initiative geared towards high school students. The project will introduce approximately 90 students and their teachers to issues related to alternative energy ? specifically biodiesel fuel and its importance in eliminating our dependence on foreign oil.
The students chosen to participate in the project come from two Detroit Public Schools: Crockett Technical High School and Southeastern High School of Technology. The two schools were selected because of their focus on technical education and careers. More specifically, Crockett, dedicated to the belief that students should leave high school with marketable skills, is committed to exposing students to various aspects of technology and incorporates technology skills and training into all areas of the students? curriculum. Southeastern, meanwhile, has a technology focus and a new state-of-the-art automotive pathway inclusive of engineering, design, management and manufacturing curriculum.
The 14-week project, which kicked off Feb. 7, will culminate on May 16 at the NextEnergy Center where the students will display their projects. NextEnergy will host a reception to recognize the efforts of the students and will award the best student projects.
