DTU Dynamo has been designed to run on 2nd generation bio-ethanol (E100). Bio-ethanol is extracted from agricultural waste products which can’t otherwise be used for food. These waste products undergo a fermentation process through which the waste is transformed into ethanol. The bio-ethanol can then be used for fuel in an internal combustion engine – this does however require the combustion engine to be modified to run on bio-ethanol, which requires modification of engine management system, special spark plugs as well as great care regarding the choice of construction materials for the engine itself.
Bio-ethanol: a more sustainable fuel type
The choice fell on 2nd generation bio-ethanol because the team wanted to promote the use of sustainable fuel types for combustion engines. This was facilitated by the organizers of the Shell Eco-marathon, as they allowed 2nd generation bio-ethanol to be used during the competition. In comparison to normal gasoline, bio-ethanol gives the engine a much cleaner combustion as well as being produced in a more sustainable way. Furthermore, the fuel type emits only a minimum of green house gasses, as the fuel will emit no more CO2, than the crops have absorbed through their life cycle. The end result is an extremely fuel efficient vehicle, with a minimal emission of green house gasses throughout its entire life cycle.