Green to Greener -- Is Biodiesel a Feasible Alternative Fuel for U.S. Army Tactical Vehicles

摘要

This thesis examines the feasibility of using biodiesel-blended fuel to operate U.S. Army tactical vehicles within the continental United States (CONUS). The mixed methodology included quantitative and qualitative data, synthesizing two primary source studies focused on multiple factors such as diesel engine performance, vehicle maintenance, fuel storage, and diesel-vehicle fleet operator satisfaction with biodiesel-blended fuel. Additionally, this study performed quantity analysis to compare U.S. Army CONUS fuel requirements and domestic biodiesel production figures through 2007. Qualitative measures indicate a high degree of satisfaction among vehicle fleet operators who use biodiesel-blended fuel. Within the limited scope of the primary source studies, the quantitative assessment revealed that biodiesel- blended fuels cause no greater incidence of engine or fuel system malfunctions. Further, the fuel quantity analysis indicates that current biodiesel production in the U.S. is sufficient to displace an appreciable percentage of the U.S. Army's CONUS fuel requirement for tactical vehicles. Because no vehicle modifications are required to operate on biodiesel-blended fuel and vehicles can safely resume using 100 percent petroleum diesel fuel, the U.S. Army has a great potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption in CONUS training and operations, while not impacting the single-fuel (JP-8) distribution for world- wide operations. Additional biodiesel experimentation is warranted to obtain more precise data regarding performance factors and maintenance requirements of tactical vehicles.