Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines: FY17 Year in Review

Researchers from national laboratories and universities across the United States are putting their combined scientific might behind the Co-Optima initiative to bring better fuels and better vehicles to market sooner. Our team members are exploring synergies across a range of fuel, engine, and powertrain options, with a focus on opportunities to increase fuel diversification and provide greater flexibility for refiners and fuel producers. We have adopted a composition-agnostic approach to identify new blendstocks that can be combined with conventional petroleum-based fuels to deliver significantly improved performance in advanced internal combustion engines. In fiscal year 2017 (FY17), our research expanded to encompass solutions for the entire on-road fleet, from light-duty passenger cars to heavy-duty freight trucks. This report spotlights some of FY17's most significant Co-Optima accomplishments.