New scientific projects in CEL

The great success of the Faculty of Internal Combustion Engines (includes Combustion Engines Laboratory). In the period from January to April 2015 we managed to start 5 new large research projects. Below we present brief information about each of them.

New generation of common rail pumps
Apart from unquestionable advantages of common rail injection systems, it should be stressed that these systems are not free from defects. One of the vital requirements involves keeping a purity regime of the fuel that is also a greasing agent and a coolant for the system. Considering a significant failure rate of CR pumps, the project assumes preparation of a concept of a modern CR injection pump for compression-ignition engines that allows using biofuels. The project is realized in collaboration with WSK Poznan. Connecting the skills and creativity of young researchers with practical experience of the constructors will have a positive influence on the realization of the project’s aim and, at the same time, prove beneficial for both parties. More information: www.ngcr.put.poznan.pl

Developing an innovative aftertreatment system for particulate emission reduction for off-road vehicles using flow turbulization and nanometric catalytic materials
The project is related to the performance of research that aims at developing an innovative diesel particulate aftertreatment system for non-road vehicles. The innovation of the developed system lies in the newly developed catalytic support and catalytic layer, based on nanometric catalytic materials and specifically developed design, ensuring exhaust gas flow turbulization.
The effect of the research will be a system characterized by the PM reduction rate at least 20% higher than the current solutions applied in road vehicles. The combination of the catalytic layer based on nanomaterials and the turbulence ensuring the transfer of the exhaust gas deep in to the filtering system will contribute to the increase in the system efficiency. Hence, the applicants plan to perform investigations aiming at the identification of the particulate matter properties and the properties and methods of obtaining nanometric catalytic materials.

Developing an innovative battery-capacitor energy storage device for vehicles with alternative propulsion systems
The objective of the project is to develop innovative and efficient electricity storage and conversion systems for mass transport (modern hybrid and fully electrical vehicles). Modules of accumulators and electrochemical capacitors will be used as main components for the energy and power management, so-called Battery Management System (BMS). We plan to optimize the energy supply by using commercial accumulators and supercapacitors, or by building full energy supply systems based on our own high-performance supercapacitor modules. Since safety and environmental impact of the total energy system is crucial, usual organic solvents used in commercial systems, e.g., acetonitrile, will be replaced by neutral aqueous electrolytes. More information: www.iaze.put.poznan.pl

The first Polish system for testing the fast-varying parameters of drives of modern vehicles
The research carried out within the project will provide results that will enable the creation of a design of a system for testing fast-varying powertrain parameters. The innovation of the proposed solution lies in the use of existing sensors without the need to modify the engine design. The other innovative feature is data fusion also from other sources like the vehicle On-Board Diagnostic network (OBD). Investigations are planned as well as analysis of the sensor and converter solutions available in the market. The design of hardware and software architecture is anticipated to follow the conceptual phase of developing data acquisition systems. Developed hardware and software solutions are to be tested during virtual tests to validate their design and functionality. The final stage of the project will be the completion of the real model and its experimental validation, followed by extensive field-testing in real-life conditions, which will increase the scientific value of the project.

GasON
The GasON project has been funded by the Horizon 2020 EU Research and Innovation programme, under Grant Agreement no. 65281.
The aim of the GasON project is to develop CNG-only, mono-fuel-engines able to comply with:
•    Post Euro 6 noxious emissions,
•    2020+ CO₂ emissions targets,
•    New homologation cycle and Real Driving conditions,
•    Improved engine efficiency and vehicle performance also with regard to its CNG range capability.
These engines, based on new combustion processes, also require dedicated technological solutions for:
•    Innovative injection, ignition and boosting system concepts,
•    Advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment system,
•    Detecting the gas-quality and its composition.

GasOn project is based on 3 parallel technological solutions that will lead to a full development of prototype engines, all based on the integration of the gaseous direct injection technology with others like advanced Variable Valve Actuator VVA, advanced boosting, variable compression ratio, charge dilution combustion and related improved aftertreatment. The synergic integration of technologies with CNG direct injection on top enhances boosting efficiency at low engine speeds also bring benefits both in terms of performance and CO₂ emission reduction. To complete the investigation of all potential exploitable technologies for CNG engines, an ignition chamber concept, with extended lean burn combustion and diesel like compression ratio, will be developed, as well as gas quality sensor that will determine the fuel characteristics and will enable a predictive engine control parameters optimization.