An Approach to Assessing the Technical Feasibility and Market Potential of a New Automotive Device

[摘要] Save the World Air (STWA) has developed magnet-based devices, including its Zero Emission Fuel Saver (ZEFS™), that it claims can improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce emissions. These devices are designed to be fitted as original equipment onto internal combustion engines or to be retrofitted onto existing engines. STWA asked the RAND Corporation to help develop a plan for assessing the technical basis required for successful commercialization of ZEFS. STWA also sought RAND’s advice in examining potential market opportunities for ZEFS. This report summarizes RAND’s analysis of these two issues, concluding the following. Application of magnetic fields has not been shown in the literature to lower the viscosity of automotive fuels. Along with empirical testing, establishing a theoretical basis underlying the effect of magnetic fields on fuel viscosity, surface tension, and atomization might provide useful information for developing and evaluating magnetic field-based fuel treatment devices. So far, the test results for use of the device are, at best, mixed. Should further laboratory analysis and in-use testing provide clearer and more positive outcomes, the market potential for the device will depend significantly on the advances realized from other technologies and regulatory policies and on its cost-effectiveness relative to other outcomes.

[发布机构] RAND Corporation;RAND Corporation

[学科分类] 自然科学（综合）

[关键词] Energy and Environment;Science and Technology;Infrastructure and Transportation