Ultra Compact, Lightweight, Fast Response Cetane Sensor for Heavy Fuels

ABSTRACT: U.S military logistics fuels such as JP-8 and JP-5 are used across the full range of its IC engines, from those adapted from Avgas to Remove Piloted Aircraft (RPA) applications to heavy duty compression ignition engines. Yet unlike commercial diesel fuels, these distillate fuels have no cetane specification, and so vary widely in this key measure of ignition delay. The result can be substantial variation in fuel efficiency, engine operability, mission range, and maintenance requirements, a problem that could be helped by an inexpensive cetane sensor suitable for use on military IC engines. Using the measured cetane number to modify engine parameters such as ignition timing could notably improve the performance and capability of military IC engines. PCI has developed and in Phase I demonstrated an ultra-compact simple cetane sensor that directly measures ignition delay and offers to fill this need as well as some others. In Phase II, we will develop the sensor for military application, further improving miniaturization, performance and stage of development, while delivering a TRL-6 standalone prototype capable of field operation. BENEFIT: Anticipated benefits of knowing the cetane number would be information that could be used in an engine controller to improve engine performance, efficiency and life, which in turn could extend RPA range and capability while extending maintenance cycles. Similar benefits could accrue in larger engines, plus in such engines fuel efficiency gains could also become significant. Commercial applications include for RPAs and other unmanned vehicles, for small and large compression ignition engines (including for cases with diesel fuel where further cetane information could be helpful even with a specification), and for refineries, where a real time sensor may aid in improving yield.