A Systems Approach to Ultra-Clean and Ultra-Efficient Internal Combustion Engines

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Gasoline engines from a mechanical engineering point-of-view are torque producers fortransportation and power generating systems. Traditionally, mechanical engineers investigate fuelingcontrol solutions that maintain the engine exhaust AFR at 14.1 and avoid engine misfires. From achemical engineering view point, gasoline engines are emissions producers that feed chemicalreactors (exhaust aftertreatment systems). This research project seeks a revolutionary approach toengine fueling controller design and exhaust aftertreatment design for lean burn operations, and theoptimal integration of the engine with the exhaust aftertreatment system through nonlinear control.Collectively these efforts will produce maximal fuel economy while ensuring zero tailpipe emissions.These step advancements in transportation system powertrains will be the results of a closecollaboration between mechanical engineers and chemical engineers. Moreover, this research willadvance an interdisciplinary research project facilitated through a cross-disciplinary education. Thisnew graduate education model builds on cross-training by having ME students take ChemE courseand ChemE students taking ME courses. Our approach has mechanical engineering students takingChemE reaction engineering and catalysis courses so that chemical reactions producing exothermscan be integrated into their heat transfer knowledge base. The chemical engineers will take MECEsystems modeling (lumped parameter modeling), robust controls and systems diagnostics.Ultimately, the 21st century ultra-clean and ultra-efficient power transformation engineer will beproduced. The national impact of these engineers will lead to a decrease in dependence on foreignoil and will have a positive impact on the environment. It is anticipated that this work will lead toultra-efficient next generation engines that will be environmentally friendly since the combustionevent will be used to clean the air.