Advanced Military Diesel Engine Technologies

The objective of this proposal is to improve Army logistics by permitting the use of diesel engines capable of operation on heavy-hydrocarbon fuels including DF-2 and JP-8, instead of gasoline engines, for small mobile generators and other small motor applications (e.g. utility pumps), thus reducing Army fuel/ fuel distribution costs. Normally, diesel engines do not have sufficient power density when compared to gasoline engines for these applications. A recent University of Wisconsin study identified a significant opportunity for the Army to use durable, reliable, and relatively lightweight diesel engines equipped with superchargers to replace gasoline-fueled engines in mobile generators and other small motor applications. Assuming success, this proposal will satisfy the objectives of the A03-233 program to increase fuel economy, increase power density, and reduce specific heat rejection for small diesel engines. The supercharger will be designed and developed to meet or exceed the engine RAM-D goal of 1000-hour life expectancy.