In 2016 there were multiple news reports about automakers requesting higher octane fuel for their future engines.
They see it as being essential for improving the efficiency of the internal combustion engine.
ASTM has now released standards for this "test"fuel.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/04/20170426-astm.html
Quote:
The new standard—“Specification for 100 Research Octane Number Test Fuel for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines” (D8067-17)—covers the requirements of a high octane number fuel suitable for spark-ignition engines to be utilized in ground vehicles that will require 100 research octane number (RON) minimum rated fuel.
The fuels described by the specification are intended for developing technologies that lead to reduced vehicle energy consumption, such as higher compression ratio, higher power density, increased turbocharger boost pressure, smaller swept displacement volume, and operation at lower engine speeds.
The fuels covered in this specification may contain oxygenates—such as alcohols and ethers—at up to 50% by volume. This specification covers fuels that may contain both fossil and bio-derived components. Fuels containing methanol are not included in this specification.
D8067-17 describes a high RON fuel for automotive spark-ignition engines that are not currently in the marketplace but that are being developed and thus require a defined standard test fuel. The high RON fuel could become available in the marketplace if/when such engines are introduced in commerce, ASTM noted.
https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2017/n...l-standard.html
Quote:
Innovations in spark-ignition engine technologies that improve performance and fuel economy, such as higher compression ratios, higher power densities, increased turbocharger boost pressures, downsizing, and downspeeding, are more feasible with high-RON fuels.
"This new ASTM standard will help define a template for future vehicle certification fuel, with the ultimate goal of an affordable 100-RON gasoline that can be made at commercial scale to optimize engine performance," said McCormick.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20160823...octane-gasoline
Quote:
Even though senior powertrain executives such as Nicholson say they need higher octane fuel to help them increase engine efficiency, you don’t usually hear automakers themselves lobbying loudly for it, except at industry conferences and dinners with reporters. Premium fuel costs around 53 cents more per gallon than regular in many parts of the country -- a fact that has many motorists grumbling. Automakers don’t want to force higher fuel prices on their customers.
Much of the price difference for premium gasoline is because it’s more costly to refine and because oil companies produce premium fuel at much lower volume than regular. But if the EPA does mandate higher octane gasoline, I think the cost difference between regular and premium will evaporate pretty quickly. And there is a precedent.
They see it as being essential for improving the efficiency of the internal combustion engine.
ASTM has now released standards for this "test"fuel.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/04/20170426-astm.html
Quote:
The new standard—“Specification for 100 Research Octane Number Test Fuel for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines” (D8067-17)—covers the requirements of a high octane number fuel suitable for spark-ignition engines to be utilized in ground vehicles that will require 100 research octane number (RON) minimum rated fuel.
The fuels described by the specification are intended for developing technologies that lead to reduced vehicle energy consumption, such as higher compression ratio, higher power density, increased turbocharger boost pressure, smaller swept displacement volume, and operation at lower engine speeds.
The fuels covered in this specification may contain oxygenates—such as alcohols and ethers—at up to 50% by volume. This specification covers fuels that may contain both fossil and bio-derived components. Fuels containing methanol are not included in this specification.
D8067-17 describes a high RON fuel for automotive spark-ignition engines that are not currently in the marketplace but that are being developed and thus require a defined standard test fuel. The high RON fuel could become available in the marketplace if/when such engines are introduced in commerce, ASTM noted.
https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2017/n...l-standard.html
Quote:
Innovations in spark-ignition engine technologies that improve performance and fuel economy, such as higher compression ratios, higher power densities, increased turbocharger boost pressures, downsizing, and downspeeding, are more feasible with high-RON fuels.
"This new ASTM standard will help define a template for future vehicle certification fuel, with the ultimate goal of an affordable 100-RON gasoline that can be made at commercial scale to optimize engine performance," said McCormick.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20160823...octane-gasoline
Quote:
Even though senior powertrain executives such as Nicholson say they need higher octane fuel to help them increase engine efficiency, you don’t usually hear automakers themselves lobbying loudly for it, except at industry conferences and dinners with reporters. Premium fuel costs around 53 cents more per gallon than regular in many parts of the country -- a fact that has many motorists grumbling. Automakers don’t want to force higher fuel prices on their customers.
Much of the price difference for premium gasoline is because it’s more costly to refine and because oil companies produce premium fuel at much lower volume than regular. But if the EPA does mandate higher octane gasoline, I think the cost difference between regular and premium will evaporate pretty quickly. And there is a precedent.
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