Feb 2024
Abstract
The urgent need to address climate change inducing greenhouse gas emissions is driving a dramatic shift in vehicle propulsion systems. A diversity of energy storage and conversion systems will be needed in the short- and long-term to ensure that transportation services are provided that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. This seminar will discuss current trends in engines for long-haul trucks and the potential for low-carbon gaseous fuels to enable cost-effective greenhouse gas emissions reductions. A main focus will be on the potential from direct injection of gaseous fuels, including natural gas, bio-methane, and hydrogen to retain diesel-like efficiency. Results will include optical evaluation of injection and combustion in static injection test rigs and research engines, along with multi-cylinder engine performance and fuel system requirements. The potential for combining an optimized low-carbon gaseous fueled engine with a high efficiency hybrid-electric powertrain will be presented. Finally, future direction of research and focus areas will be identified.
Bio
Dr. McTaggart-Cowan is an Associate Professor and Associate Director at the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and has spent time in academics and industry. After his PhD, he was a lecturer for four years at Loughborough University in the UK. He then moved to Westport Fuel Systems as a team and project lead in the Advanced Engineering Group. In 2019, he returned to academia at SFU. Dr. McTaggart-Cowan's research career has focused on low-emission vehicles, with a particular focus on gaseous fuelled engines for commercial vehicles. He has contributed to over 70 peer-reviewed publications and is a named inventor on 13 patent families.