New research seeks to enhance alternative fuel integration in public vehi...( Rochester Institute of Technology and ...)

Rochester Institute of Technology and the County of Monroe, New York have created a research partnership to assess the performance of the Countys fleet of E85 flex-fuel vehicles. E85 is comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline and is considered a major alternative energy option for American automobiles.

RITs Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies will work with the County Department of Environmental Services to analyze the environmental and economic impact of these vehicles and assist the county in determining a future course for the integration of additional alternative energy technologies into their operations.

This cooperative public-private partnership will enhance RITs research program, while providing Monroe County with valuable technical assistance and strategic planning information to further our efforts in utilizing alternative fuels, notes County Executive Brooks. Monroe County maintains a fleet of 78 hybrid-electric, and E-85 flex-fuel vehicles. The research and information that will result from this partnership will enhance our efforts to protect our taxpayers, and protect our environment.

This partnership is a perfect example of how universities can utilize their technical expertise to assist government agencies in providing better services to their constituents while also helping to promote new industries, adds center director Nabil Nasr. Alternative energy will be a major technology area in the coming years and RITs efforts will help put our community on the cutting edge of this important field.

Throughout the course of the research, the center will be performing a number of laboratory and field studies on the Countys green fleet to quantify the impact of ethanol on propulsion system durability, reliability, vehicle availability and life-cycle cost. CIMS will also be looking to work with regional technology companies seeking to test, validate and launch alternative energy products.

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Contact: Will Dube
wjduns@rit.edu
585-475-2816
Rochester Institute of Technology
17-Jul-2007