
Jose Ricardo SodreAston University · School of Engineering and Applied Science
Jose Ricardo Sodre
Doctor of Philosophy
About
147
Publications
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Introduction
My research interests are biofuels, internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, hydrogen, fuel cells, renewable energy and heat recovery systems. The methods and techniques I apply often involve energy conversion optimization and data statistical treatments. I am currently working on hybrid powertrain testing, electric vehicles, and on-board hydrogen production.
Publications
Publications (147)
One of the most promising approaches for converting waste plastics into oil is fast pyrolysis. This study reviews the current state of the art and recent progress made on the thermal conversion of plastic to oil technologies, and their uses as alternatives to fossil fuels. The fuel properties of waste plastic pyrolysis oil (WPPO) are close to the d...
This work investigates bioethanol production from wastepaper via acid and enzymatic hydrolysis with the aim to attain the highest possible yield, including an evaluation of energy consumption of the production processes and costs involved. A mathematical model was designed using MATLAB software, in which pre-calculated chronological stages have bee...
div class="section abstract"> This investigation evaluates the energy consumption of an electric vehicle (EV) and identifies key factors that affect its energy efficiency, based on real-world operation for a range of driving characteristics and climate conditions over nearly four years in the streets of the second-largest UK city. The driving modes...
This work presents a mathematical model for the payback time of reusing electric vehicle batteries as residential energy storage systems from the end of life of automotive application. The model was developed using MATLAB software and calculates the payback time of a battery energy storage system (BESS) under different scenarios while considering t...
This chapter reports on a workflow aimed at obtaining deeper insights into spark ignition engines using thermodynamic modelling. This workflow is divided into two steps: (i) Auto-calibration of combustion and heat transfer models using AVL Boost® and AVL Design Explorer; and (ii) in-cylinder exergy analysis using Wolfram Mathematica®. Model calibra...
This work evaluates driving behaviour, trip distance, ambient temperature, traffic condition and road grade effects on the specific energy consumption (SEC) of an electric vehicle (EV) under different operation modes according to a real driving cycle (RDC) test schedule. A compact size EV was operated in the roads of the second largest populated ci...
This work evaluates the impacts of ambient temperature and trip characteristics on the energy consumption of an electric vehicle (EV) during road tests. The trip characteristics are here defined by the driving distance, stop time percentage and average vehicle speed. The analysis uses data collected from real-world driving of an EV in one of the mo...
This work presents a mathematical modelling of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system integrated with a resistive variable load. The model was implemented using MATLAB Simulink software, and it was used to calculate the fuel cell electric current and voltage at various steady-state conditions. The electric current was determined by the...
This work evaluated the effect of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on fuel consumption and pollutant emissions from a diesel engine fueled with B8 (a blend of biodiesel and Diesel 8:92%% by volume), experimentally and numerically. Experiments were carried out on a Diesel power generator with varying loads from 5 kW to 35 kW and 10% of cold EG...
This paper proposes a novel virtual engine calibration method for alternative fuels using thermodynamic simulation for in-cylinder pressure prediction. Based on known engine data, including the crank angle of the peak cylinder pressure, the optimization problem is defined for a desired indicated mean effective pressure. The decision variables are t...
This paper presents a Well-to-Wheels (WTW) analysis of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2eq) emissions in different scenarios of replacement of a conventional taxi fleet by electric vehicles. Two battery electric vehicles and one hybrid electric vehicle were used in the comparison with the conventional vehicle fleet. A numeric model was developed to ev...
This review critically evaluates the latest trends in fuel cell development for portable and stationary fuel cell applications and their integration into the automotive industry. Fast start-up, high efficiency, no toxic emissions into the atmosphere and good modularity are the key advantages of fuel cell applications. Despite the merits associated...
A precise energy conversion factor is required to define the impact of greenhouse gas emissions by gasoline-powered vehicles and policies that will guide the application of future eco-innovations. The current energy conversion factor adopted by many countries is based on the Willans line approach, initially proposed in 1888 for steam engines, later...
This paper analyzes combustion chamber pressure data processing methods related to the number of cycles averaged, top dead center referencing and pressure referencing (pegging). A total of 1000 consecutive engine cycles were measured in a four-cylinder diesel engine. The number of cycles that minimizes the influence of cycle-to-cycle oscillations d...
In the original publication, the article was mistakenly published under the category “Perspective”. However, the correct category of the article is “Review”.
This paper describes the experimental analysis of a heat pump assisted recuperativeair dehumidifier. The system consisted of an air-to-air vaporcompression heat pump, coupled to the air ducting. Dehumidification wasgenerated by reduction of the air temperature through the evaporator belowthe dew point, and thus promoting the condensation of the wat...
The presence of aldehyde in the exhaust gas of a stationary, direct injection, compression ignition engine operating with castor oil biodiesel/diesel oil blends (B5, B10, B20 and B35) is analyzed. The diesel engine was operated with constant speed of 1800 rev/min and load of 37.5 kW. The gas sample was collected directly from the exhaust. Aldehydes...
This work investigates the energy factors for fuel conversion from the analysis of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) maps of a sample of 15 engines, representative of 75% of current models available in the Brazilian market. The method also employs the engine driving patterns of power output versus crankshaft speed obtained from bench dynamomet...
This work presents a numerical simulation model for aldehyde formation and exhaust emissions from ethanol-fueled spark ignition engines. The aldehyde simulation model was developed using FORTRAN software, with the input data obtained from the dedicated engine cycle simulation software AVL BOOST. The model calculates formaldehyde and acetaldehyde co...
This paper evaluates the impacts on energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the introduction of electric vehicles into a smart grid, as a case study. The AVL Cruise software was used to simulate two vehicles, one electric and the other engine-powered, both operating under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), in order to calcula...
This work presents a model for hydrotreating of palm oil components to produce green diesel. The main reactions of triglycerides and fat acids in the presence of a NiMo/γAl2O3 catalyst are shown, especially cracking of triglycerides, hydrogenation, decarboxylation, decarbonylation and fat acid reduction. These reactions were modelled using Aspen Pl...
This work investigates a diesel engine operating with different blends of diesel fuel, biodiesel and anhydrous ethanol. Anhydrous ethanol (99.8% purity) was added to diesel oil with 7% (B7) and 20% of biodiesel (B20), with the concentrations of 5% (E5), 10% (E10) and 15% (E15) and 20% (E20). The experiments were conducted on a naturally aspirated,...
As a result of tougher regulatory requirements to control greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle weight reduction appears as one of the alternatives. In view of this, the use of lightweight materials to replace conventional steel in passenger vehicles with internal combustion engines has gained permanent attention. This work assesses the potential of re...
In order to attain emissions reduction targets to improve air quality and reduce global warming, electric vehicles (EVs) arise as alternatives to conventional vehicles fueled by fossil fuels. In this context, this work presents a comparative study between an EV and its conventional version, a medium-duty, diesel engine powered vehicle, from road te...
This paper analyses the impacts of the application of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system on the performance and emissions of a stationary, direct-injection diesel engine operating with diesel oil containing 7% biodiesel (B7). Experiments were carried out in a 49-kW diesel power generator with the adapted EGR system, and engine performance an...
This work investigates a diesel engine operating with diesel oil containing 7% biodiesel (B7) and hydrous ethanol with concentrations varying from 5 to 30%. The experiments were conducted in a 49-kW diesel power generator, equipped with an electronic ethanol injection unit installed in the intake manifold and without any modifications in the diesel...
In a scenario with growing population, increasing demand for energy and volatile prices of fossil fuel, there is a high incentive for the use of biofuels, especially those produced from waste material. In this context, second and third generation bioethanol (2G/3G) are interesting alternatives, as they can be produced from different raw material su...
This work presents a thermoeconomic analysis of a cogeneration system using the exhaust gas from a natural gas-fueled diesel power generator as heat source for an ammonia-water absorption refrigeration system. The purpose of the analysis is to obtain both unit exergetic and exergoeconomic costs of the cogeneration system at different load condition...
Atualmente a necessidade de reduzir as emissões de poluentes e obedecer às normas ambientais, principalmente no setor automotivo, tem contribuído para a busca de novas tecnologias mais eficientes e menos poluentes. As melhorias causadas nesse setor impactam diretamente o meio ambiente e a utilização de fontes energéticas. Nesse contexto, a busca po...
This work presents a numerical study of heat transfer in the exhaust duct of a diesel power generator. The analysis was performed using two different approaches: the Finite Difference Method (FDM) and the Finite Volume Method (FVM), this last one by means of a commercial computer software, ANSYS CFX®. In FDM, the energy conservation equation was so...
This paper presents a mathematical model that calculates aldehyde emissions in the exhaust of a spark ignition engine fueled with ethanol. The numerical model for aldehyde emissions was developed using FORTRAN software, with the input data obtained from a dedicated engine cycle simulation software, AVL BOOST. The model calculates formaldehyde and a...
This work presents the application of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in a direct injection diesel engine operating with diesel oil containing 7% biodiesel (B7). EGR rates of up to 10% were applied with the primary aim to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. The experiments were conducted in a 44 kW diesel power generator to evaluat...
This paper presents a comparison between an electric vehicle and a vehicle with an internal combustion engine regarding carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and energy consumption, whether in electric or chemical form (contained in the fuel). For this analysis, the AVL Cruise software was used to simulate two similar vehicles, one electric and the other...
The effects of fuel blends containing 5, 10 and 15 wt.% of anhydrous ethanol in diesel oil with 7% of biodiesel (B7) on performance, emissions and combustion characteristics of a diesel power generator are investigated. The engine was tested with its original configuration, with the fuel blends directly injected into the combustion chamber, and the...
The conventional way to produce styrene is ethyl-benzene dehydrogenation, which generates benzene and toluene as byproducts. In general, the separation of these three components is made through successive reactor product distillation, first removing benzene and, then, separating toluene from benzene. The main problem with the use of conventional di...
According to the importance of biodiesel production from vegetable oil, this book shows the main characteristics, properties and the current state of the art for biodiesel production with a special emphasis in Enzymatic Catalysis and bioreactors.
The conventional way to produce styrene is ethyl-benzene dehydrogenation, which generates benzene and toluene as byproducts. In general, the separation of these three components is made through successive reactor product distillation, first removing benzene and, then, separating toluene from benzene. The main problem with the use of conventional di...
Electric vehicles can be an alternative to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, mainly due to their high efficiency and zero emissions, among other advantages. However, there is a need for studies to certify these improvements, since the electric vehicle is still a new product on the market and there are many doubts with regard to its o...
This paper presents a comparison between an electric vehicle and a vehicle with an internal combustion engine regarding carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and energy consumption, whether in electric or chemical form (contained in the fuel). For this analysis, the AVL Cruise software was used to simulate two similar vehicles, one electric and the other...
The limits of tailpipe CO2 emissions are getting lower worldwide and the automobile manufacturers are looking for both on-cycle and offcycle technologies to reduce these emissions. Some new innovative technologies are being studied to help reduce emissions. The use of the so called eco-innovations such as a battery charging solar roof to claim off-...
This work presents a heat transfer model for the exhaust gas of a diesel power generator to determine the gas temperature profile in the exhaust pipe. The numerical methodology to solve the mathematical model was developed using a finite difference method approach for energy equation resolution and determination of temperature profiles considering...
The purification of raw glycerin in biodiesel production can provide economic benefits and help to avoid residue accumulation, thus reducing environmental impacts. In this work, the glycerin obtained from biodiesel production by catalytic transesterification of waste cooking oil was purified by sequential extraction with organic solvents, followed...
This paper investigates fuel consumption and pollutant emissions from a vehicle operating with gasoline-ethanol blend (E22), hydrous ethanol (E100) and hydrogen produced on-board. The study aims to find out if hydrogen can contribute to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Hydrogen was produced by a hydrolytic cell adapted to the vehicle, and was...
This work presents a study on crude oil and biodiesel obtained from the seeds of the tropical plants Anacardium occidentale L (cashew), Cocos nucifera (coconut palm) and Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton). The following crude oil and biodiesel physical–chemical properties were determined: acid number, iodine value, copper corrosivity, density and v...
In the last years, biodiesel production has been on a steady increase due to it is renewable and biodegradable fuel. The process to obtain biodiesel can be carried out using different raw materials. It is commonly performed by transesterification reaction of vegetable oils with methanol and using a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst. This work s...
This work provides a comprehensive literature review to evaluate the expected impacts of the introduction of electric vehicles into the power electric system with smart grid, examining the case of Brazil. Previous studies point out to different impact levels with the introduction of electric vehicles in the country’s electric grid, varying from sma...
As the automotive catalytic converter must perform its function independent of the fuel used in flexible fuel vehicles, this paper aims to analyze how operation with ethanol influence catalytic converter performance. To conduct the study, three catalytic converters were aged in a vehicle operating on a chassis dynamometer by 30,000 km. During aging...
This paper presents the study of a throttle valve to be used in the intake manifold of a diesel engine working with different operating conditions, as one of the changes required to convert its operation in Otto cycle, with ethanol as fuel. An electronic control system for the valve position was developed based on a mathematical model that calculat...
Henry's constants for hydrous ethanol, iso-octane and gasoline absorption in engine lubricants were determined using gas chromatography. Samples of synthetic SAE 5 W30, synthetic SAE 5 W40, semi-synthetic SAE 15 W40, mineral SAE 15 W40 and mineral SAE 25 W60 oil were used in the experiments. For all lubricants tested, typical molecular weights were...
This paper describes a comparative study between the pollutant emissions produced by a spark ignition engine operating with three different fuels: commercial gasoline with 22% of ethanol (E22), compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrous ethanol. The emission levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), total hydroca...
The thermoeconomic assessment of a cogeneration application that uses a reciprocating diesel engine and an ammonia–water absorption refrigeration system for electrical power and cold production from hydrogen as fuel is presented. The purpose of the assessment is to get both exergetic and exergoeconomic costs of the cogeneration plant products at di...
This work describes a numerical model for calculation of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from spark ignition engines. The model calculates CO concentration from a kinetic mechanism and from the equilibrium combustion equation. A computer program that simulates the cycle of spark ignition engines performs the CO model calculations. The model was vali...
Currently, biodiesel is presented as one of the best alternatives for gradually replacing the use of fossil fuels, but it has some factors that make it economically impractical if it does not have a government support. For this reason, research efforts focused on this area have been responsible for optimizing the process of biodiesel production by...
In this study a computational model to simulate the operation of a diesel engine fuelled by blends of 95% diesel oil + 5 % biodiesel (B5) and anhydrous ethanol was developed. The model was developed using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software and calculates fuel and air properties and the thermodynamic processes of the engine cycle. Ethano...
Electric vehicles can present as advantages higher efficiency of electric motor in comparison with internal combustion engines, reduced pollutant emissions during operation an minimized noise emission. The disadvantages lie mainly on the high costs of vehicle and battery, long charging period and short battery lifetime, and the need to increase ele...
This paper describes a technical, economic and exergoeconomic assessment to verify the feasibility of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant implementation in an animal feed industry to attend its electric power demands. A small-scale Rankine cycle was defined for the CHP plant. Plant operation was simulated at steady state condition, taking into ac...
This work presents an electronic control system developed for hydrogen injection in a diesel power generator. The full system is basically constituted by a gas fuel injection rail with injection valves, a speed sensor and an electronic control unit. The electronic injection system was installed and tested in a diesel power generator of 44 kW rated...
This work investigates the performance and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from a stationary diesel engine fueled with diesel oil (B5) and hydrogen (H2). The performance parameters investigated were specific fuel consumption, effective engine efficiency and volumetric efficiency. The engine was operated varying the nominal load from 0 kW to 40 kW, w...
This work shows the influence of intake pipe length and diameter on the performance of a spark ignition engine. A production four-stroke, four-cylinder, eight-valve, 1.0-l engine was tested in a bench dynamometer, fuelled by a blend of 78 % gasoline and 22 % ethanol. Experiments were carried out in the engine speed range from 1,500 to 6,500 rev/min...