The focus of this project is on the onboard refueling vapor recovery system in automobiles and how to help resolve the issue of fuel vapors evaporating into the atmosphere. Previous studies have shown that UV-LED photocatalysis has been effective in hydrocarbon conversions. The goal by the end of this project is to develop both an annulus as well as a test system to show the effectiveness of UV-LED photocatalysis in converting harmful hydrocarbons to less harmful vapors, such as CO2 and water. Considering previous testing and data taken from Stant Manufacturing, the expected results are to remove at least 70% of evaporative fuel vapor emissions. People in urban areas have a greater exposure to air pollutants, and are at the greatest risk to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include hydrocarbon emissions. Our prototype could help pave the way for research to reduce these harmful emissions, and in turn reducing adverse health effects caused by the emissions. As the basic requirements of a Bachelor of Science Program at Miami University indicate, we will be utilizing the following: defining and solving problems, making ethical choices, working effectively as a team, critically evaluating information, as well as many others.
Authors: Mike Severson, Erin Stalcup, Megan Gabel, Monica Nguyen
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Catherine Almquist, Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering
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