DEPARTMENT COLLOQUIUM | The Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute - Sampling of Research

Speaker: Dennis Assanis (UM Physics)

Professor Assanis will give an overview of ongoing research at the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and discuss in detail his own recent research. He will describe his research activities aimed at significantly improving efficiency of future powertrains while satisfying ever more stringent toxic and greenhouse gas emission standards. Among the concepts presented, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is a highly promising, low temperature combustion process that constitutes a paradigm shift from the traditional, high temperature, pollutant forming engine combustion. HCCI offers the potential for virtually eliminating engine-out NOx and particulate emissions, while achieving 15%-20% higher thermal efficiency. His group.s efforts have shed light into the complex thermo-kinetic factors that control the auto-ignition process and govern its high load limits, due to knock and NOx constraints, and its low load limits resulting from ignition failure and excessive unburned HC and CO emissions. Current efforts focus on novel approaches to control and extend the operating range of HCCI, its operability with a diverse range of fuels including biofuels, and its synergy with hybrids.