Richard L Bechtold

Richard L. Bechtold is a registered professional engineer in Maryland with 20 years of experience with alternative fuels. His interest in this growing field was sparked by the gasoline shortage of 1973 to 1974. Mr. Bechtold earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and prepared his master’s thesis on the blending of used lubricating oil with diesel fuel to both extend the diesel fuel supply and remove a serious source of ground water pollution. Mr. Bechtold’s interest in fuels other than gasoline and diesel fuel was augmented by the engine testing and exhaust gas analysis skills that he gained while obtaining his M.S. degree. Mr. Bechtold’s first job was as a mechanical engineer at the Bartlesville Energy Technology Center (BETC) in Bartlesville, Okla., from 1976 until 1980. There opportunities existed to conduct tests of alternative fuels on both engine and chassis dynamometers, modify vehicles to operate on alternative fuels, and conduct field tests of alternative fuel vehicles. Approximately a dozen professionals at BETC were engaged in alternative fuels research at that time, and the mix of skills, experience, and talents present at BETC provided a rare and excellent learning environment. It is interesting to note that this small group of professionals has excelled in industry and government positions since then. Following his tenure at BETC, Mr. Bechtold accepted a position with Mueller and Associates, Inc., a small consulting engineering firm that specialized in providing technical expertise and skills about alternative transportation fuels. During this time, interest in alternative fuels grew dramatically throughout the United States. As the major auto manufacturers became more involved, the focus of interest began to shift from engine and vehicle research to field demonstrations of alternative fuel vehicles. Mr. Bechtold participated in and managed several of these demonstrations and gained notoriety in the alternative fuels community through the publication of numerous technical papers. Mueller Associates was acquired by EA Engineering in 1988, where Mr. Bechtold now has the title of Sr. Project Manager. More recently, the focus of interest has shifted to the infrastructure (i.e., fuel availability, storage, dispensing, and mechanic training) to support alternative fuel vehicles and innovative public policies to promote and sustain alternative fuel vehicles. The recently enacted Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992 mandated Federal, state, and fuel provider fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles starting in 1996 and is the most ambitious U.S. legislation to promote alternative fuel vehicles to date. The decision to require private fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles is scheduled to be made by 2002. Many of the fleet managers acquiring alternative fuel vehicles to satisfy EPACT will also need to acquire alternative fuel storage and dispensing systems, and possibly modify their vehicle storage and maintenance facilities. The impetus for this book was the knowledge that thousands of fleet managers and engineers would seek information about alternative fuels. Through this book, Mr. Bechtold shares his unique and valuable experience with readers in an effort to foster the development and understanding of alternative fuels use.