Ethanol Compression Ignition.

I read an interesting article today on Scania's ethanol powered buses.

They're running a series hybrid (electric CVT drivetrain) with supercapacitors on the roof. The diesel engine is modified to run on ethanol by using a compression ratio of 28.
Thermal efficiency rivals the best diesels.

Here is scania's blurb, not as good as the magazine article I was reading.
http://www.scania.com/news/Press_releases/2007/Q3/N07061EN.asp

Mmmm... technology.

I'm all for it; a sustainable and renewable fuel that comes from the biosphere instead of from miles underground, plus the simplicity and thermal benefit if diesel compression ignition... Bring it on.

Thanks for the link.

I like it too.
IMO it's finally getting towards were we all need to be headed. Just another step past running biodiesel.

But with 28:1 and decent boost on top of that, that's a serious squeeze.

I can imagine even Kalifornia having no issues with it.

28:1 may have a real tough time self-lighting especially when cold. Sub-grade Gasoline might be a better choice.

I'm all for dsl type engines running higher power fuel.

Possible glowplug or heater?

Anyone have specific ratio that runs gas,ethanol,ect.

dsl is about 12:1 minimum, 14:1 is a lot better.

28:1 may have a real tough time self-lighting especially when cold. Sub-grade Gasoline might be a better choice.

The whole point is a bus that runs on easily extractable biofuel. Gasoline doesn't fit that category.