Michael O'Donnell
Spring 2008 to present
Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering
Research Topic: Analysis of Innovative Feedstock Sources and Production Technologies for Renewable Fuels
This EPA-funded project will provide “well-to-wheel” analyses for four renewable fuels: ethanol production from sugar cane and citrus, and biodiesel production from algae and cottonseed. These sources will be compared to current, conventional fuels: gasoline, corn ethanol blends (E85), soybean biodiesel, and diesel. The project consists of three elements: (1) data gathering and model development, (2) environmental, economic, and technological assessment, and (3) communication of results. My efforts will be primarily focused on an assessment of the economics of the different emerging fuel systems, including technological barriers. Process and production models developed in prior tasks will be used to complete the assessment. The research team is composed of professional staff, researchers, and graduate students from CEM (Center for Electromechanics) and CEER (Center for Energy and Environmental Resources).
