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Project Overview:
MSU-Northern will establish the Bio-Energy Center as a regional leading authority on
bio-product development to perform transformational scientific research focusing on
Montana grown non-food based agricultural crops for development of industrial products
including; biodiesel, aviation fuel, and straight vegetable oil. Research will support
the DOE’s biomass program mission to provide a sustainable, near-term opportunity to
reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels utilizing non-food biomass resources. The
Bio-Energy Center will study the effects of GHG through performance testing on
biofuels and heavy duty diesel engines.
The Center will also provide education and outreach to the community to encourage
the development and support of the bio-product industry in Montana. To facilitate
the development of “green” industry in Montana and the north central region, the
Center will provide low-cost, timely testing for fuel products thereby assisting
to commercialize the product. The Center will support the development of “green
jobs” in North Central Montana by incorporating its research and activities in
appropriate MSU-Northern programs and courses on alternative energy. The Center
will support student internships and co-op positions on all research projects.
All research findings will be published on the Center’s webpage and peer review
scientific publications. The Center will also work with K-12 institutions and
make presentations at local and national conferences.
Sub-Projects:
(Click to expand)
• Site Development of Bio-Energy Research Center
MSU-Northern will renovate an old laboratory space to provide upgrades
necessary for installation of equipment that will comprise the heavy duty
diesel engine performance test cell, biodiesel processing lab, and oil press
lab. The current facilities are not properly configured to house the
sophisticated, specialized equipment for each of these laboratories.
MSU-Northern is coordinating with Montana Dept. of Architecture and
Engineering and an A&E firm to develop the remodel plans and prepare the bid.
• Development of Alternative Bio-based Aviation Fuel
This project will explore a new platform for the production of bio-jet fuel derived
from lignin. Lignin is a very attractive feedstock for bio-jet production considering
its chemical structure, abundance and cost. We will explore a two-step production process
for this purpose: (1) Oxidative fragmentation of lignin and (2) Catalytic Deoxygenation.
During the optimization studies purified lignin will be used. However, crude feedstock
obtained from lignocellulosic biomass after carbohydrate separation will be used as well
once the chemistry of the whole process has been proven and reaction conditions has been
optimized. Hence, the proposed platform is more ideal for biorefineries that utilize
lignocellulosic biomass since the bio-jet fuel production could be integrated to the
ethanol production.
• Development of Camelina Oil-derived Fuel for Naval Applications
The Center will explore the development of a process technology based on alkene metathesis for the production of fuel derived from non-food source intended for naval applications. This makes this process more attractive than the newly developed process for bio-jet production via the thermal catalytic process, which is a high energy intensive technology. The process will be optimized to favor the formation of C9 to C12 fuel suitable for naval applications. Other expected products may find applications in polymer or biolubricant industry after fractionation or distillation.
• Viability of Using Straight Plant Oils in Agricultural Operations
The project aims at establishing the viability of using straight plant oils as an alternative fuel in off-road diesel engines based on chemical, performance and emission testing. The study will focus on the oilseed crops grown in the Northwestern part of the country (e.g. camelina, canola, safflower, sunflower). Ultimately, the project will evaluate the impact of transforming local oilseed crops into energy crops to attain certain degree of energy independence in farm or ranch setting.
The logistics of pressing locally grown oilseed crops will be demonstrated at the Center including oil handling and storage. Different degumming technique will be demonstrated as well. All oil samples will be analyzed for chemical and fuel properties in accordance to European standard. Correlation studies will be performed between the nature and quality of oil with their physico-chemical properties
The performance of diesel engine fueled with straight plant oil of varying nature and quality will be evaluated using an engine dynamometer. We will explore the effects of varying engine dynamics on the performance of straight plant oil as a fuel.
Engine exhaust emissions from a diesel engine will be monitored in real time under a wide range of engine dynamics. More than 30 emission gas species will be monitored that will comprise both the EPA and non-EPA regulated component to assess the environmental and health hazards associated with burning straight plant oils in agricultural operations.
• Performance of Locomotive Engine Fueled with Biodiesel Blend
This project aims at increasing public awareness in the benefits of using locally produced biodiesel at the local railroad company. The project has the potential of bringing economic development and positive environmental impact in the region by encouraging fleet managers to use locally produced biodiesel.
The project will demonstrate the use of B20 biodiesel blend in one of the switcher locomotive engines at a local railroad company for a period of one year. Majority of the fuel will be purchased from a small local biodiesel producer while some of the fuel will be produced at MSUN Biodiesel Pilot Plant. All biodiesel samples will be tested in accordance to ASTM protocols. Scheduled maintenance for the engine will be performed every 3 month for a period of one year that will include evaluation of injector and fuel filter accompanied by oil analysis. The Center is partnering with Opportunity Link, a non-profit organization based in Havre, to be able to hire an Energy Corps volunteer/Lab Technician responsible for pressing oilseeds, producing biodiesel and will be in-charge for the overall fuel handling and management for the project.
• Engine Exhaust Emissions from Off-spec Biodiesel
The Center will assess the possible environmental and health hazards associated with burning off-spec biodiesel in heavy duty highway diesel engines by collecting exhaust emission data.
The Center will acquire the oilseed or oil and will produce the biodiesel at MSUN Biodiesel Pilot Plant. Different types of oils will be used for the project including camelina, soy and canola (neat and B20 blend). All biodiesel samples will be analyzed for fuel properties as described in ASTM specification for neat biodiesel and biodiesel blend. The biodiesel will then be treated with different levels of free glycerin, bound glycerin and methanol to simulate an off-spec sample.
Off-spec biodiesel and biodiesel blends containing high levels of free glycerin, bound glycerin and methanol will be used in heavy duty highway truck mounted on a dynamometer for performance and emission testing. Assessment of its environmental and health impact will be based on EPA regulated and non-regulated gas species present in the exhaust emissions.
• Out-Reach and Education to Support Developing “Green” Industry in Montana
The Center will provide education and outreach to the community to encourage the development and support of the bio-product industry in Montana. To support the development of “green jobs” in North Central Montana the Center will incorporate its research and activities in appropriate MSU-Northern programs and courses on alternative energy. The Center will support student internships and co-op positions on all research projects. All research findings will be published on the Center’s webpage and peer review scientific publications. The Center will also work with K-12 institutions and make presentations at local and national conferences.
• Technical Assistance to Montana and North Central Region Bio-based companies
The Center will support the development a bio-based product market in Montana and surrounding region by providing technical assistance to companies that are in the process of bringing a bio-based product to market. This will be accomplished through appropriate product testing within the technical expertise of the Center.E
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