The reduction of CO2, through powertrain efficiency, is a key driver in meeting current and future global emissions legislations. The introduction of different fuels, including biofuels, has brought challenges to engineers because of varying combustion performance. Multi-fuelled engines are becoming commonplace and dual-fuel diesel engines are slowly finding applications in the commercial vehicle sector but solving issues with unburnt hydrocarbons remain a challenge.

Current trends in engine downsizing and novel combustion modes such as Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI), have thrown up many new challenges. We have worked within the automotive sector to provide solutions to real problems and are always working at the forefront of automotive powertrain technology.

Some areas of research that we are currently engaged in include:

  • Diesel dual-fuelling with LPG, CNG, H2;

  • Differential efficiency;

  • Driver behaviour impact on fuel efficiency;

  • Exhaust particulate characterisation;

  • Fuel combustion;

  • HCCI;

  • Novel EGR concepts.

We have undertaken research, consultancy and training work with research councils, leading vehicle manufacturers, engineering consultancies and tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry.

Research partners include Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and Innovate UK. 

Business partners include AVL, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Mahle and MIRA.

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