Analysis of Trends in Engines
2 credits
Course Purpose
Based on media attention and trends in research funding one may ask why continue to study internal combustion engines at all. The purpose of this course is to take a balanced look at trends in energy availability, emission control and regulation, and technological advances to make an assessment of the future of engines and powertrain systems for future vehicles throughout the world.
Course Objectives
- Understand the global trends in transportation demands, energy availability, and emission requirements.
- Gain familiarity with the tools and techniques to provide a sound comparative assessment of alternative fuels, engines, and drivetrains.
- Gain an understanding of emission and environmental chemistry, health effects, and atmospheric chemistry.
- Gain an engineering understanding of fuels and refining and distribution technologies.
Topics
International Trends
- Markets and demand
- Vehicle types and needs
- Energy availability
- Regulation
Societal Considerations
- Well-to-wheels analysis
- efficiency
- emissions
- Emission sources and population centers
- Geography and meteorology
- Economics
Health and Climatic Effects
- Smog and ozone
- Hydrocarbons and health
- Soot particle size and health effects
- Carbon dioxide and greenhouse effects
Measurement and Regulation
- Models and regulatory intent
- Regulatory agencies
- Regulatory approaches
Fuels and Refining
- Crude oil variation
- Distribution
- Alternative hydrocarbon fuels
- Alternative sources and refining processes
- Biofuel
- Hydrogen
Alternative Engines and Powertrain
- Fuel cells
- Electric cars
- Hybrids
- Others?
Internal Combustion Engine Advances
- Hydrogen fuel
- Alternative combustion processes
- Advanced controls
Future Projections
- Review of recent studies
- Comparative assessments
