The Institute for Combustion Engines (VKA) of RWTH Aachen University – under direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Pischinger – is part of the Institute for Thermodynamics, which is located within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of RWTH Aachen University. At the Institute for Combustion Engines a wide range from fundamental research projects to applied research concerning the vehicle powertrain is elaborated. The research focuses on the investigation of flow analysis, fuel preparation and combustion with the purpose of energy saving and engine-related avoidance of emission generation. Moreover, alternative fuels like natural gas, alcohol fuels and hydrogen with respect to their use in vehicles are examined. In addition, actual research projects concentrate on hybrid powertrain concepts and fuel cell systems.
The junior professorship “Mechatronic Systems for Combustion Engines” (MSC) under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Andert is affiliated to the Institute for Combustion Engines, also being part of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of RWTH Aachen University. Main objectives of MSC is the research about the interaction of mechanical, electrical and information technology. More specifically the research focuses on complementary fields such as mechatronic engine components, hybrid powertrain technology, real-time combustion control by high-speed indication analysis, as well as topics related to connected mobility and interactive test benches. Hardware-in-the-loop and real-time co-simulations play a key role for development of next generation powertrain testing methodologies.
Tasks of RWTH Aachen University in the CEVOLVER project
Particularly for this project, the institutes’ experiences in connected driving and predictive operating strategies for conventional, hybrid-electric and battery-electric vehicles come into account. More specifically, VKA and MSC will support with developing an on-line optimization strategy for the overall energy and thermal management of electric vehicles. Moreover, RWTH Aachen University will be a nexus between the Original Equipment Manufacturers, which take part in the project, by supporting the build and the function development for the demonstrator vehicles. Finally, both institutes will assess the demonstrator vehicles as well as the ecological and economic impact of the developed technologies.
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“CEVOLVER is an innovative approach to enhance range, comfort, and affordability of the new generation of electric vehicles by increasing system efficiency and right-sizing of components.”