Tobias Ott, a doctoral student in Professor Lino Guzzella’s research group, developed the innovative electronic combustion control together with senior scientist Christopher Onder as part of his dissertation. A sensor that measures pressure in the cylinders plays a key part: using complex control algorithms, the researchers were able to adapt the amount and timing of diesel continually, allowing an engine system with highest efficiency. The researchers also linked the innovative natural gas-diesel engine to a small electric motor to further reduce consumption. However, it could also be installed in a vehicle without electric hybridization, which would be crucial for industrial production in larger quantities.
Christopher Onder is convinced that the natural gas-diesel engine can be produced in series production in five years. “The prerequisite is that we find an industrial partner who can take charge of developing a prototype,” he explains. The researchers believe that the success of their engine depends critically on its production costs. They stress that their solution may not be cheap, but it is comparatively cost-effective. And because their concept is based on technology that already exists, it can be implemented quickly and is the perfect bridging technology for the next 10 to 20 years. The researchers are already engaged in negotiations with a car manufacturer.
The project was supported by the Competence Center Energy and Mobility (CCEM) and by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
Source: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.
