140 Experts to Discuss the Generation of Fuels from Biomass and their Uses in the Combustion Engine
How can fuels from biomass be further optimized? This and other questions will be discussed by about 140 fuel experts at the 5th TMFB International Workshop, to take place from June 13-14, 2012, at the Eurogress Aachen Conference Center. At the workshop, biologists, chemists, chemical engineers, and combustion experts will present and discuss the latest research results on the generation of fuels from biomass and their uses in combustion engines. Apart from RWTH researchers, scientists from all over the world, e.g. from Princeton University, USA, and the Norwegian University for Science and Technology, will attend the conference.
The workshop will focus on current results from the RWTH Excellence Cluster “Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass” (TMFB). The Cluster, which was established under the Excellence Initiative by the German federal and state governments, is to investigate and develop sustainable methods for the utilization of biomass. The research group is supported by industrial partners, including several high-profile companies.
Since 2007, the research cluster has been investigating all relevant research issues, ranging from engine requirements and chemical engineering aspects to the selection of suitable catalysts for the conversion of biomass components. Currently, about 80 researchers are contributing to the Excellence Cluster.
The Cluster has submitted a renewal application for the second round of the Excellence Initiative and is keenly awaiting the announcement of the grant-receiving institutions, which will take place one day after the workshop.
Optimizing the Combustion Process
The fuels developed as part of the activities of the Cluster offer great potential for the optimization of both SI and diesel combustion processes. Concerning the diesel engine, novel molecule structures, produced through adapted catalytic methods, facilitate an almost soot-free combustion.
Furthermore, the Cluster has developed fuels that facilitate controlled self-ignition for SI engines, minimizing emissions and resulting in efficiency increases of up to 10 percent.