 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
contact:
info@tartabiodiesel.org 419-245-5216 |
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur pumps the first tank of biodiesel into a bus at the TARTA biodiesel fueling station in March 2006. |
News story on the BH-1 vehicle from September 19, 2007 on 13ABC. |
BH-1 undergoing testing at Toledo Speedway, September 7, 2007. |
|
Welcome to TARTAbiodiesel.org TARTA is taking part in a study investigating the impact of using a mixture of biodiesel fuels and petroleum-based diesel fuel. The study is being conducted with a $1.5 million grant made possible by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9). Ms. Kaptur is committed to America’s “energy independence” by replacing imported petroleum with renewable energy such as biofuels. The study is being conducted by the Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Toledo with two different fuels: ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel; and a mixture of 80% ULSD fuel and 20% methyl ester biofuel —known as “B20”—derived from soybean oil and yellow grease (primarily, recycled cooking oil from restaurants). Forty-eight TARTA buses and a number of City of Toledo Division of Streets, Bridges & Harbor diesel-powered vehicles are taking part in the vehicle testing. The study focuses on differences in emissions, engine performance, engine wear, and operating costs. Air quality for passengers is also being measured—a first of its kind. An additional TARTA vehicle involved in the study—a mini-bus affectionately called BH-1 (short for bio-hydrogen)—is showing the benefits of injecting a small amount of hydrogen in the air intake of the vehicle using B20 fuel. The hydrogen portion of the study was developed and is being directed by H2 Engine Systems. |
 |
| BH-1 undergoing testing at Toledo Speedway, September 26, 2007. |
