Examining Ethanol
A University of Minnesota News Service story earlier this month told how the U is studying the driveability of vehicles using E20, an experimental fuel that is 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent gasoline. According to the story,
"By August 2013, state law will require all gasoline sold in Minnesota to contain 20 percent alcohol by volume. Minnesota has required 10 percent ethanol in gasoline since 1997. In order for this requirement to take effect, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must certify E20 as a motor fuel through a waiver under the Clean Air Act.
The state of Minnesota has contracted with the U of M to conduct a year-long drivability evaluation as the state aims to increase the use of alternative fuels in the state. The Council of Great Lakes Governors has supplied additional funding in support of the project. Results of the study will help the state pursue the EPA waiver."
A nice aspect of the study is that the test is being carried out by the U's Parking and Transportation Services:
"Eighty vehicles out of the university's fleet of 525 on the Twin Cities campus have been chosen for this test. As a control group, 40 of the vehicles have been running on a base fuel containing no ethanol. The other 40 are running on E20 fuel. The 40 pairs represent a cross section of vehicles with a variety of manufacturers and engine sizes, including hybrid vehicles....
Drivers regularly complete surveys measuring vehicle performance and driver experience. The university handles all vehicle maintenance at the Fleet Services Building. Mechanics have been monitoring mechanical problems and recording any drivability issues. Drivability issues include things such as non-starting, poor starting, the check engine light coming on and hesitation while accelerating or driving at a fixed speed. During the first three months, no drivability issues have been noted. The upcoming cold weather and a change in fuel blends for fall and spring may impact subsequent findings."
A story from the Star Tribune, written after the Legislature passed its mandate last May and preserved on a Minnesota State University Mankato web site, gives some Q&A about the increasing use of ethanol. The story has also been picked up by local TV station KARE 11 and is on its web site.
As a colleague of mine exclaimed, "Here's a superb example of engagement; it has all the elements!" A critical societal issue; close involvement by university, governmental, and (implicitly) private interests; careful research design; participation by U staff and facilties personnel, not just faculty; and thoughtful notice by the media.