Capabilities

Micro-Engine Research Laboratory

 

MERL is currently located in room 317 of the Engineering Research Building. The facility was constructed to allow for research on micro-engines for the ARPA-E GENSETS program. The system has been used to evaluate research engines on the order of 30-50 cc in displacement. We have examined fumigated operation, port fuel injection, and low-pressure direct injection. Fuels examined have included pure propane, various natural gas blends, pure methane, high-octane gasoline and JP-8. These capabilities allow for steady-state operation at various engine speeds to analyze efficiency, emissions, and combustion characteristics. Equipment are mounted on wheels for easy modification. A full length t-slot table runs the length of the engine test bench ensuring proper alignment of the hysteresis dynamometer, engine and starter drive. The equipment includes:

For Raw Exhaust Gas Analysis

• Rosemount Paramagnetic 755-R Oxygen Sensor with inline chiller
  
• MKS FTIR Model 2030 for up to 22 gases
  
• Associated heated lines, filters, pumps
  

For Combustion Analysis

• Kistler KiBox
  
• Piezoelectric in-cylinder pressure transducer
  
• Piezoresistive intake pressure transducer
  
• Liquid cooled piezoresistive exhaust pressure transducer
  
• Current clamps for ignition and injector signals
  
• VR sensor adapter for TDC
  
• Kistler Software
  

For Engine Operation

• Magtrol DSP6000 dynamometer controller
  
• Magtrol HD715 hysteresis load absorber (up to 25,000 RPM and 3.4 kW peak, 3.0 kW continuous, with forced air cooling)
  
• or Magtrol HD 705 hystersis load absorber (up to 25,000 RPM and 1.4 kW peak, 0.3 kW continuous)
  
• Microsquirt ECU
  
• Gravimetric scale - liquid fuels
  
• Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs - Alicat) for gaseous fuel flow rates
  
• 1-10Hz slow speed data collection
  
• Temperature - K-Type TCs
  
• Air flow - laminar flow element and associated sensors
  
• Room conditions (P, T, RH) - Omega iBTHx
  
• Starter/motoring - 5 or 7.5 HP, 400Hz 3-phase motors with GE variable speed drive
  

The laboratory will be moving soon. 

New equipment to target mirco-engines from 3-50kW.

Methane and Emissions Detection and Analysis Laboratory

Full Flow Sampling Systems

MEDAL is located in room 274 of the Engineering Science Building Annex, above the Cilento Center. This laboratory focuses on research and development of methods to directly or indirectly quantify trace gas emissions with specific focus currently on methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). For direct quantification we use custom Full Flow Sampling systems to draw in a known emissions source (e.g. a methane leak) along with excess dilution air for analysis. We have made modular systems with sampling flow rates from 30 to 1000 standard cubic feet per minute. Total flow rates are measured with mass air flow sensors calibrated on the CAFEE flow bench using laminar flow elements. Methane, CO₂ and water vapor are analyzed with closed path laser analyzers. Ambient/sample conditions (P,T and RH) are measured via an Omega iBTHX for corrections in extreme conditions.The system can be mounted on portable carts, within vehicles, trailers, truck beds, all-terrain vehicles, etc. Equipment used with the FFS includes the following:

• 2x Ultraportable Greenhouse Gas Analyzer from Los Gatos Research (CH₄, CO₂ and H₂O @ 1 Hz)
  
• Various 0-5V analog MAF sensors
  
• ICP-CON PET A/D analog inputs
  
• 3x Explosion Proof Blowers
  
• 4x 25-foot wire-wound sampling hoses
  
• Assorted tents, bins, sampling enclosures
  
• 5-kW diesel generator for natural gas site power
  

Mobile and Stationary GHG Mapping

In addition to our close-path GHG analyzers, we also have open-path GHG analyzers that operate at 10 Hz, meaning they are more applicable to geospatial mapping and deployment on vehicles (for use with OTM 33A) or on remote towers for longer-term measurement campaigns (eddy-covariance methods). We are currently refining the integration of these systems and are conducting research funded by the National Science Foundation to understand how state-of-the-art analyzers can be combined with new quantification techniques to reduce the uncertainty in indirect quantification. Equipment for these capabilities includes:

• 2x LGRs mentioned above - 1 Hz
  
• Li-Cor LI7700 Open Path CH₄ Analyzer (ppb accuracy, 0-50 ppm) - 10 Hz
  
• Li-Cor LI7500 RS Open Path CO₂/H₂O Analyzer - 10 Hz
  
• Slow GPS - BU-353S4 - 1 Hz
  
• Fast GPS - U-Blox EVK-M8U - 10 Hz
  
• Omega iBTHX - Pressure, Temperature, Relative Humidity - 0.25 Hz
  
• 3x solar sensors - LI200 - 1 Hz
  
• Slow Wind Speed - Gill WindSonic, 2D Anemometer - 1 Hz
  
• Fast Wind Speed - Gill Windmaster, 3D Anemometer - 10 Hz
  

For stationary applications we also have:

• 4 meter tower
  
• 7'x12' single axle trailer
  
• 2x LG 360W solar panel and mounts
  
• 3x Concorde PVX Sun Extender Battery - 12V, 210 Amp-hour
  
• Battery enclosure with power management system
  
• DIGI WR11 XT w/ LTE for remote monitoring
  

Additional Capabilities

We have reduced the footprint of most conventional mobile emissions trailers to fit on active sites - including unconventional well development sites. Our small footprint emissions trailer has been deployed at active well sites and natural gas facilities across the U.S. We can deploy data acquisition equipment to provide in-use emissions testing, fuel consumption and engine activity. In addition to gaseous emissions, we collaborate with Marc Besch of CAFEE for in-situ particulate measurements. We have completed in-use measurement campaigns on high-horsepower diesel, dual fuel and dedicated natural gas engines. 

Mobile equipment includes:

• MKS FTIR 2030 for 22 gases
  
• KRAL Diesel Fuel Flow Meters - Up to 1500 HP, and 1000-4000 HP engine models
  
• KURZ Thermal Mass Flowmeter - Engines up to 2000 HP depending on gas composition
  
• ECU data can be collected through standard protocol adapters for both J1939 and MODBUS