Originally Posted By: edhackett
I can do a controlled, precision fuel consumption test. I have access to the CDC/EPA research diesel. I can measure fuel consumption to 0.1 gram/time interval. It'll need to be a one shot, rather quick test, as I need to work it in between projects at the end of next week.
Here's what I propose:
The diesel is a 1.5L Isuzu powering a 12.5Kw generator. It is connected to a load bank that we can control the load from 250w-15Kw. The control diesel will be Shell ULSD. I'll run at 50% of rated sea level load, 6250 watts, which is a bit under 60% load at this altitude.
Measure density of both fuels at test temperature.
Warm up generator under no load, then operate for 20 minutes at load to stabilize temperatures. Switch to weighed fuel container and run for 1 hour at 6250 watts. Purge fuel lines. Switch to GDiesel and run for 20 minutes at 6250 watts to fully flush lines and stabilize temperatures. Switch to weighed fuel container and run for 1 hour.
There will be ~3L of fuel burned per hour. At 0.1 gram resolution that's 0.0033% resolution.
Anybody think that this test isn't robust enough to discern 0.1% differences in fuel consumption? Suggestions? Remember, I'm only going to have an afternoon to do this.
Ed
I'd really like to see this. In the linked article they reported 20-50% reduction in fuel consumption. I think your 0.1% resolution will be fine, and better in any case than the highly variable road vehicle figures they give.