1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge
The
University of Windsor and Chrysler Canada Limited hosted
this competition. It took place at the University of Windsor/Chrysler Canada
Automotive Research and Development Centre in Windsor from May 30 to June 4, 1996. The
competition required the students to convert a gasoline vehicle to operate on
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The vehicle was a Chrysler minivan that was donated by Chrysler. As one of the hosts, the University of Windsor was not eligible to compete for
prizes but was provided with a donated vehicle to
convert. St. Clair College and University
of Windsor students worked
together to make this conversion using the facilities at St. Clair College. The
result was a vapour port-injected engine that utilized engine coolant in a heat
exchanger to vaporizer the liquid propane that was pumped
from the fuel tank. Although no award could be given,
the team received their scores, given below, in each of the events. Windsor attained undeteriorated emissions test results in the ultra-low
tailpipe emissions category and would have placed 4th overall. For
more information see the copy of the University of Windsor
Ambassador article of May 27, 1996 given below.
During the drive-by noise
test During inspection
Driver switch
during competition. Schematic showing fuel tanks and
supply lines
1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge Results