ETHANOL IN V8 SUPERCARS
Using sustainable Australian resources to power V8 Supercars into the future
Sugarcane isn’t usually the first thing that springs to mind when you think about V8 Supercar Racing but it’s in the cane fields of Nth QLD where the process of creating E85 Ethanol fuel begins, using the by-products associated with making sugar. Not only does E85 have far less emissions than oil based fuel, in far Nth Qld the manufacturing process at CSR is the most environmentally friendly in the world. So it’s a pretty sweet deal all round!
What is Ethanol (E85)?- E85 is a blend of ethanol and unleaded petrol – 85% ethanol and 15% ULP
- Ethanol has a set molecular structure regardless of the base material it is derived from
- Ethanol is basically alcohol – as is methanol but methanol is highly toxic
How is Ethanol Made?On the outskirts of Mackay sugarcane is harvested from June to November each year and is then transported to the mill in nearby Sarina, the cane is shredded and then milled five times to squeeze the juice out. This juice then goes on to be processed into sugar crystals and what is left over is a thick brown substance called molasses.
At the adjoining distillery the molasses is mixed with water and yeast in giant fermentation tanks which converts the remaining sugar into ethanol, it’s then distilled to separate the impurities. Before it can be used by V8 Supercars the ethanol is tested in the lab to ensure it meets the standards for 99.7% pure grade ethanol.
What does it take to fill a V8 supercar? Sugarcane contains about 3% molasses and from 1 litre of molasses you end up with about 250mls or one cup of ethanol. To fill a 120 litre tank you would need about 480 litres of molasses and that equates to about 16 tonnes of sugarcane.
How did V8 Supercars make the switch to Ethanol?
SBR Engines started E85 testing at the start of 2008 and with this test information were allocated V8 Supercar grants to allow further research of E85 capabilities and technologies. SBR’s R&D engine shop department is responsible for most of the initial development of E85 fuel in V8 Supercars.
Initial work was centred around finding a fuel delivery system, injectors and fuel pump(s), to supply the required 30% (approx) increase in fuel volume dictated by the E85’s stoichiometry. Investigation into the remainder of the fuel systems ‘suitability’ for use with alcohol based fuel was also undertaken.
A one off test day during 2008 allowed for an engine to be run, at close to race conditions, on E85. It was then returned to the workshop for teardown and inspection. Being that mechanically the engine rules didn’t change SBR also had to modify the fuel and ignition maps to achieve the best fuel economy/power.
What are the benefits of Ethanol?The internal combustion engine is a part of our life and supports a lifestyle that most people in Australia will not want to sacrifice – we need an energy source for our personal mobility that is both renewable and heavily reduces environmental impact.
Ethanol can be made from entirely renewable Australian resources which also absorbs the CO2 gases created by the burning of the ethanol.
Ethanol can be introduced into the supply chain more easily than any other identified energy substitute for petrol in Australia. E85 can be sold from existing service stations in the same way as LNG can be.
Some Fast Facts about Ethanol E85- CSR Ethanol produces less than half the CO2 emissions of petrol.
- A renewable environmentally, friendly fuel source
- The major widely used alternative fuel in the world
- If Australia adopted E10 blended fuel nationwide, this would lead to over 3 million tonnes of CO2 abatement per year.
- Ethanol blended fuels represent 3.5% of the world gasoline market
- In Brazil, it represents up to 41% of the local fuel market
- V8 Supercars have been running on ethanol blended fuels since 2007
For more information on E85 Ethanol visit the following links www.v8racinggreen.com.auwww.ethanolfacts.com.au
