Paweł Fuć Prof. D.Sc., Eng., has worked at Poznan University of Technology since 2001 and since that time he has been the head of Combustion Engines Laboratory. At present he is in charge of the Institute of Combustion Engines and Powertrains. He is a member of the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Professor Fuć teaches combustion engines, ecological aspects of combustion engines, hybrid and electric powertrains operation. He has also presented the results of his research during Polish and world's conferences (USA, Japan, Germany and Switzerland). Paweł Fuć is a member of the Polish Scientific Society of Combustion Engines.

Scientific and research activity covers three basic areas:
1. The processes of non-catalytic and catalytic purification of exhaust gas
Development of a method for the preparation of nanometric powders for the formation of catalytic layers with an increased ability to initiate reducing and oxidizing reactions. Development of a catalytic layer supporting reduction reactions in an oxidizing atmosphere for self-ignition engines based on nanometric spheres. Testing of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems (TWC three way catalyst, DOC oxidation catalyst, DPF diesel particulate filter and GPF gasoline particle filter for spark ignition engines) with particular emphasis on mechanisms of interdependence between individual elements of the system as well as mechanisms of interaction of catalytic layers with nanometric dimensions. The analysis of the form of carbon, its structure and microstructure, as well as mechanisms and processes of its formation in engines, mechanisms of their oxidation in catalytic processes and filtration of solid particles was carried out. The research involved core-layer structures (core shell) in the aspect of the activity of catalytic material systems, and in particular their selectivity. A modification of the method of obtaining nanometric structures (FSP - flame spray pyrolysis and USPD - ultra spray pyrolysis deposition) has been developed. Devices were developed that enabled unit production of catalytic layers from multicomponent nanometer spheres. A system for testing the thermal shock resistance of catalytic carriers in the aspect of brittle fracture was developed. Operation techniques were developed in the atmosphere of pure hydrogen and ammonia, which enabled the production of spongy structures during single sintering, among others composite: silicon carbide-silicon oxide-titanium oxide (Ti4O7) – titanium nitride.

2. Research of powertrains
Development of a methodology for the selection of operating parameters for the use of alternative powertrains, including autonomous electric powertrains and electric powertrains  with range extender, parallel and serial hybrid powertrains based on energy-consumption studies using test technologies in real operating conditions using PEMS analyzers. A public means of transport powered by engines powered by alternative fuels, including energy intensity tests, emission of gas components of exhaust gases as well as mass and number of solid particles were tested. Gas emission testing, number and diameters of solid particles in road tests performed in real traffic conditions by mobile devices that constitute the latest achievements in measurement technology were research. Specified of the validity of description of particulate parameters in combustion engines fueled by different fuels. Described the formation of solid particles in internal combustion engines, taking into account the selected models that are applicable in practice and that capture not only the nature of changes in the mass of solid particles, but also the number and size of individual particles.

3. Energy recuperation from exhaust gases
Research related to energy recuperation from exhaust gases using thermoelectric materials. Research on the development of TEG generators for recuperation of exhaust gases for spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. Developed of an innovation system for energy recovery from exhaust gases of vehicles powered by combustion engines and hybrid systems. As part of the research, assumptions were made for the construction and the application possibilities of the TEG thermoelectric generator used for heat energy recovery from exhaust gases and then its conversion into electric energy were determined. The TEG thermoelectric generator is built from a heat exchanger to which TE thermoelectric modules are installed, which produce an electrical voltage due to a change in temperature between their hot and cold surface. In the developed TEG generator, the cold side cooling system of the modules was used. Research began by defining thermodynamic phenomena in the exhaust systems of modern vehicles equipped with SI and CI engines with the use of a unique PEMS apparatus for the measurement of emission in the actual operating conditions. A series of tests and analyzes were carried out to determine the right shape of the heat exchanger in terms of the possibility of recovering the maximum amount of heat energy from the exhaust gases and minimizing the impact of the exchanger on losses in the vehicle's outflow, resulting from the flow resistance. The material selection for the heat exchanger was analyzed and the current-voltage characteristics of the commercial TE thermoelectric modules were determined and the structure was analyzed. This enabled the selection of a group of modules that can be used in TEG thermoelectric generators. The energy balance of the energy conversion process in the exhaust system of SI and CI engines with the used TEG thermoelectric generator was determined.

Bibliography:

1. Exhaust emissions generated under actual operating conditions from a hybrid vehicle and an electric one fitted with a range extender / Piotr Lijewski, Miłosław Kozak, Paweł Fuć, Łukasz Rymaniak, Andrzej Ziółkowski  // Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment - 2020, vol. 78, s. 102183-1-102183-9
2. High-Energy Solid Fuel Obtained from Carbonized Rice Starch / Beata Kurc, Piotr Lijewski, Łukasz Rymaniak, Paweł Fuć, Marita Pigłowska, Rafał Urbaniak, Bartosz Ciupek  // Energies - 2020, vol. 13, no. 16, s. 4096-1-4096-17
3. Kinetics and thermodynamics of thermal degradation of different starches and estimation the OH group and H2O content on the surface by TG/DTG-DTA / Marita Pigłowska, Beata Kurc, Łukasz Rymaniak, Piotr Lijewski, Paweł Fuć  // Polymers - 2020, vol. 12, iss. 2, s. 12020357-1-12020357-13
4. The impact of the vanadium oxide addition on the physicochemical performance stability and intercalation of lithium ions of the TiO2-rGO-electrode in lithium ion batteries / Beata Kurc, Marcin Wysokowski, Łukasz Rymaniak, Piotr Lijewski, Adam Piasecki, Paweł Fuć  // Materials - 2020, vol. 13, iss. 4, s. 1-17
5. The role of real power output from farm tractor engines in determining their environmental performance in actual operating conditions / Łukasz Rymaniak, Piotr Lijewski, Michalina Kamińska, Paweł Fuć, Beata Kurc, Maciej Siedlecki, Kalociński Tomasz, Jagielski Alex // Computers and Electronics in Agriculture - 2020, vol. 173, s. 105405-1-105405-7

More at: https://sin.put.poznan.pl/people/details/pawel.fuc