Government-Industry Partnership to Pursue Research for Next-Generation Engines
March 16, 2004
Advanced engine combustion and emissions research leading to the next generation of efficient, clean engines is the focus of a new partnership involving Sandia National Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and ten automotive and heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers. Research at the national laboratories will be supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program. Industrial partners will share non-proprietary internal research relevant to the research goals and provide technical guidance and hardware to facilitate the research.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) is designed to bring several research efforts under one umbrella to more effectively pursue a common goal of improved engine efficiency while maintaining compliance with relevant emission regulations. Participants in the research effort include Caterpillar Corporation, Cummins Corporation, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Detroit Diesel Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Electric Global Research Center, General Motors Corporation, International Truck, John Deere, Mack Trucks Inc., Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.
Research will target low-temperature, clean combustion strategies, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition and various forms of stratified charge compression ignition combustion, and advanced diesel combustion strategies, such as multiple injections and high exhaust gas recirculation rates. The program will also focus on combustion and emissions research in support of the development of high-efficiency, low-emission hydrogen-fueled engines.
Researchers hope to develop a knowledge base of in-cylinder mixing, combustion, and emission processes relevant to advanced engine combustion and fuel injection strategies. They also hope to develop models for predicting these processes. Both are necessary for developing the next generation of efficient, clean engines.
Fuels to be considered in the program will include conventional fuels, non-petroleum based fuels, and hydrogen.