Grant: Alliance Grants

Canada's target is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40~45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To meet US 2026 and EU 7 emission regulations also, this collaborative research project is to maximize energy efficiency towards low-carbon propulsion with ultra-low pollutant emissions, which require further decrease in both GHG and air pollutant emissions. The proposed research will help Ford and policy makers to lower the transition barrier of decarbonization of engines. Intelligent ignition control strategies will be developed, together with innovative injection strategy and combustion schemes, to realize clean and highly efficient combustion process under both steady-state and transient operation conditions. The proposed research include four main objectives: 1) To improve engine efficiency with ultra low tailpipe emissions via advanced propulsion technologies, including in-cylinder combustion strategy and advanced after-treatment systems. 2) To perform a fundamental study on ignition mechanisms of low temperature plasma and on-demand ignition energy scheduling in ultra lean/diluted mixtures; explore the efficacy of advanced ignition strategies under various injection strategies and in-cylinder flow control. 3) To study low temperature flame detection mechanisms for prompt and smart combustion diagnostics. 4) To develop an intelligent ignition control algorithm in ECU for enhancing the efficacy and durability of the ignition system, enabling clean and efficient combustion with in-cycle closed loop control. With the adaptation of renewable fuels to lower carbon footprint, 40% GHG emission reduction goal is feasible for 2030 target. Benefits expected to engineering disciplines include: a) Development of fuel efficient and clean automotive engines for vehicle downsizing and powertrain hybridization; b) Advanced knowledge of ignition mechanisms for intelligent ignition strategies of adapting various fuels, c)Applicable diagnostic tools to detect and estimate the burning status under excessive lean/diluted conditions for high efficiency.