Conventional and alternative fuels
The increasing use of alternative fuels from renewable resources will reduce our dependence on crude oil reserves and have the potential to reduce well-to-wheel CO2 emissions.Our Approach
MAHLE has developed a wide range of spark-ignition engines and vehicles running on various alternative fuels such as ethanol, butanol, LPG, CNG and hydrogen. We have extensive knowledge of the design considerations, which are necessary to maintain or improve performance, fuel economy and emissions as well as durability of the engine. Our research activities, including optical and thermal single cylinder testing, have focussed on understanding the specific combustion characteristics of different fuels and blends.
The MAHLE downsizing engine has been run extensively on biofuels to further explore the synergies that exist.
- Good understanding of engine design considerations
- Focus on alternative fuel combustion process
- Detailed knowledge of performance and emissions
- Use of in-house baseline engine for back-to-back comparison
- Application of proven control systems for bio-fuel engines
- Experienced in alternative fuel storage issues
Our Tools, Facilities and Services
- Single cylinder engines (optical and thermal)
- Multi cylinder engines, including MAHLE downsizing engine
- Full engine test facilities
- Full engine indicating system
- EU6 capable vehicle test facilities
- Full suite of analysis tools (3D, CFD, 1D including MAHLE combustion and knock models, FEA etc)
Customer Benefits
- In-house tools and expertise guarantee the highest level of data quality in reduced timescales
- Availability of climatic chambers (down to -40 degC) for both engine and vehicle tests
- Test facilities are highly flexible and capable to run a wide range of fuels
- A full range of engine design, development and calibration as well as vehicle build and test services are available on-site
- Dedicated project teams to ensure good customer service
- This enables cost effective, novel solutions on time and to cost
Project Examples
- Study of synergies between downsizing and ethanol and butanol blends
- Optical engine studies into combustion of comprehensive range of biofuel blends
- E85 cold start development and calibration in high output V12 engine
