ASME - Milwaukee Section Tour of Marquette University Combustion Research Facilities & Learning About Using Low Carbon Fuels in Heavy-Duty Engines

Register Now!ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL REMAIN OPEN THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2023

The ASME Milwaukee Section is thrilled to visit the Marquette University combustion research facilities on February 8, 2023.  There we will tour the facility and learn about their research into using low carbon fuels in heavy-duty engines.

Due to its high-power density & low cost compared to competing technologies, the internal combustion engine will remain the primary mode of propulsion for the foreseeable future, especially in heavy-duty applications. In 2050, technologies such as the full battery electric vehicle are projected to have only a few percent of the global transportation market based on total energy consumed. The fastest growing transportation sector is commercial transportation, and it is the most difficult to electrify due to the high energy demands over long operating periods. Thus, to improve the sustainability of heavy-duty transportation, we must reduce the emissions from diesel engines, the primary power source in the heavy-duty sector.

 For decades diesel engine research focused on the reduction of criteria pollutant emissions that are known to have negative effects on human health and the environment, such as NOx, soot, and unburned hydrocarbons. Over the last decade, additional focus has been put on reducing fossil fuel consumption due to its connection with greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), such as CO₂. The most pragmatic way to reduce GHG emissions from diesel engines is by using alternative, low carbon fuels. This seminar, led by Dr. Adam Dempsey, will discuss research on advanced engine combustion strategies that will allow the use of low carbon fuels, such as alcohols, natural gas, ammonia, and hydrogen in heavy-duty engines while maintaining diesel-like engine performance characteristics by continuing to use mixing-controlled combustion.

Dr. Adam Dempsey is an Assistant Professor at Marquette University in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Prior to joining Marquette, he was a Senior Research Engineer at Caterpillar Inc. and a postdoctoral researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Dr. Dempsey received his Bachelors and Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013.

Following the seminar, tours will be given of the Marquette University combustion research facilities, which include a diesel engine test cell and an optical accessible rapid compression machine. A buffet dinner and a networking reception (at Marquette) will also be part of the event.  Also, special dietary needs are available upon request (please indicate in your registration.)