Biological Engineering Workshop--Biofuels & Engine Cycles Option

Biological Engineering is the combined application of engineering principles and biological sciences. From molecules and microbes to large ecosystems, Biological Engineers design solutions to real-world problems. Working with faculty and engineering students, participants will have a hands-on research experience using current technologies. This summer program is designed to give students an understanding of the diverse topics of biological engineering while allowing them to focus on an interest area, the bioprocess engineering option, the environmental engineering option, or the off-highway vehicle engineering option.

Participants in the off-highway vehicle engineering workshop will be introduced to the production of agricultural crops for conversion into biofuels and have the opportunity to produce their own biodiesel.  Through hands-on experiences students will experience the following aspects of machine systems:

• Mechanized production and processing of biological materials for conversion into biofuels.
• Conversion of agricultural crops into alternative, renewable liquid transportation fuels.
• Evaluation of biofuel performance in a diesel engine.  Comparisons will also be made with values obtained burning unrefined vegetable oil and petroleum diesel in the engine.

 The types of activities conducted by this group will include development of sensors/controls for mechanizing crop management, engine dynamometer testing, and first-hand experience with transesterification, the chemical reaction governing the production of biodiesel. Participants will make design recommendations on the future use of these practices. All BE participants will enjoy a trip to the NC Coast to see Biological Engineering in action!

Meet the 2009 staff!

June 14 - 19, 2009