Project to improve efficiency of next-gen gasoline engines

Furthermore, in parallel with efforts to improve the efficiency and reduce the CO₂ emissions from such vehicles, there is growing recognition that a potential engine development challenge exists in the form of particle emission numbers below the current 23nm diameter size measurement threshold.

The PaREGEn project has, therefore, committed to achieve a 15% CO₂ reduction along with real driving emissions targets, and aims to assess the emissions of particles as small as 10nm from mid- to premium-sized passenger cars. Through the use of development techniques, such as optically accessed single cylinder engines, a range of modelling and simulation tools and the application of novel engine componentry, the optimal trade-offs between cleanliness and efficiency are being identified for such next-gen gasoline engines.

The results of this work will be used for the creation of two demonstration vehicles, which will be powered by gasoline engines yet to be introduced to the market. It is intended that the two vehicles will use contrasting approaches to achieving the project targets, they will use different new combustion systems, fuel injection and dilutent technologies (e.g. lean operation or water injection), ignition systems, engine air handling systems and aftertreatment packages. Progress on the project is already offering insights into the best way forward in meeting emissions and efficiency requirements for comparable gasoline engines over the coming decade.

As PaREGEn aims to assess the emissions of particles as small as 10nm in size (compared to the current regulatory threshold of 23nm), the project intends to use the latest measurement equipment as derived from the ongoing research projects, which are investigating testing technologies and methodologies for nanoparticle measurement, such as DownToTen and PEMS4Nano.

“Ricardo is pleased to be coordinating and working as part of the 16-member PaREGEn consortium, including key automotive industry partners such as Daimler, Jaguar Land Rover, Bosch, Johnson Matthey, IDIADA, FEV, Honeywell, LOGE AB, Siemens Industry Software and UFI Filters,” commented Ricardo Global Technology Director, Simon Edwards. “Ensuring that the next generation of gasoline combustion engines makes advances in fuel efficiency and CO₂ reduction, whilst also limiting nanoparticle emissions, is an imperative for the automotive industry. I am pleased that we will be welcoming all members of the PaREGEn consortium to the second General Assembly of the project, to be hosted at the Ricardo Centenary Innovation Centre at Shoreham-by-Sea, UK, in June, when we will review the first nine months’ progress and confirm plans for the coming year.”