Sustainable combustion engines

Due to major advances in the development of robust and inexpensive battery systems, smaller vehicles in particular ranging from two-wheelers to passenger cars and commercial vehicles can be equipped with electric drive systems. Internal combustion engines are of medium- and long-term importance, particularly in heavy-duty and long-distance transportation as well as in shipping and aviation. We are developing technical solutions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants as well as energy losses as far as possible. There are various strategies for this, which are to be combined according to the specific application.

Highly efficient engines

In freight transport and shipping in particular, a lot of energy is used for transportation and there is great interest in savings. We are researching modern combustion processes that require less fuel for the same engine performance. Our research engines are inhouse developments that enable full access to measure all relevant parameters. Optical diagnostics of injection and combustion processes are also possible in special setups with transparent pistons and optical access to the combustion chamber. Our research engine has a glass insert in the liner, which makes visible the oil distribution on the piston rings and is used to prevent unwanted oil combustion.

Emission-free engines

We are equipped with the latest exhaust gas measurement technology (FTIR analytics, PN counters) to determine the concentration of pollutants in the engine exhaust gas and to specify the effectiveness of filter systems and catalytic converters. Especially when using alternative fuels such as e-fuels and hydrogen, the challenge is to correctly quantify all emissions and not to overlook any undesirable components. We contribute our expertise to the further development of these measurement techniques and work intensively with equipment manufacturers. For example, we have succeeded in operating an internal combustion engine with OME fuel in such a way that all pollutant components in the exhaust gas could be reduced to the level of fresh air or below.

Climate-neutral engines

The climate impact of an internal combustion engine is primarily determined by the emission of CO₂ during the use phase. By choosing a climate-friendly fuel, therefore, an internal combustion engine can also become climate-friendly. We only run our engines on diesel or gasoline if we want to make a comparison with the past. Our research today focuses on biofuels, e-fuels, methane, methanol, DME, OME, hydrogen and ammonia. These substances each place special demands on combustion and offer new potentials - for example, soot-free combustion with fuels such as methanol or OME.