OVERVIEW

The module deals with the most relevant topics relating to reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (ICE).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objective of the course is to provide critical knowledge on low carbon propulsion systems for different applications, delving into some of the most important topics with particular reference to the automotive application. An appropriate qualification in the field of reciprocating internal combustion engines (ICE) is provided together with the reduction of exhaust emissions through the adoption of optimized after-treatment system and advanced technologies for internal combustion engines. The course provides also skills for the analysis and comparison of advanced systems and technologies for ultra-low emissions Internal Combustion Engines (ICE).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student attendance during the lessons and related study activities will allow:

- to know the main features related to environmental impact of internal combustion engines;

- to identify the main features of environmental friendly propulsion systems.

PREREQUISITES

It is required that the student has acquired sufficient knowledge of the basic aspects related to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE classification, components and nomenclature, main operational parameters – Ideal and real operation of 2 and 4 stroke engines – Indicated diagrams, indicated and brake mean effective pressure, engine power correlations. Reference thermodynamic cycles for SI and diesel engines - Combustion processes in SI and diesel engines.  ICE pollutant emissions, emission control systems and aftertreatment devices for SI and diesel engines).

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures on the different items presented in the module programme and experimental activities on two different test rigs, focusing on specific arguments developed within the course. Moreover, seminars offered by academic and industrial experts and technical visits can be organised. 

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), the Polytechnic School's disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Lectures

• Real cycle and operational aspects of ICE – Real cycles of SI and diesel engines: analysis of loss contributions - ICE energy balance - Fuel supply circuits of SI and diesel engines. Combustion process in SI and diesel engines. 
• Engine part load operation – Control engine parameters – Constant speed and constant load curves, engine performance maps – Part load operation of spark ignition and diesel engines – Analysis of engine performance and fuel consumption at different speed and load levels – Road vehicle performance simulation – Engine downsizing – Valve control systems in ICE: Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) systems, developed applications, control strategies, use in SI and diesel engines, effect on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
• Supercharging and turbocharging – Engine-compressor matching in mechanical supercharging and turbocharging - Determination of turbocharger operating conditions – Constant pressure and pulse turbocharging: quantitative considerations, energy aspects, engine exhaust circuit design – Transient response, torque characteristic curves of supercharged and turbocharged engines – Turbocharger control systems (waste-gate valve, variable geometry turbine) – Design aspects of exhaust turbochargers - Alternative charging systems.Advanced layout for single and two stage turbocharging systems – Energy recovery.
• ICE pollutant emissions and control strategies – Normalized test procedures for vehicle emissions determination, European emission limits – Advanced devices and control strategies of aftertreatment systems. CO2 reduction in automotive ICE – General overview on problems, legislation and possible actions. 

Practice

• An experimental practice should be organized involving test bench measurements on an engine or a turbocharging system for automotive applications.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lesson notes and classroom material (which can be downloaded in aulaweb) are sufficient for the exam preparation.

• S. Marelli - “Motori a combustione Interna a Ridotto Impatto Ambientale” – Appunti del corso.
• G. Ferrari, G. D’Errico, A. Onorati, Internal Combustion Engines. Società Editrice Esculapio. 2022.
• J.B. Heywood -  "Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals" - Mc. Grow-Hill, 1988.
• K. Zinner -  "Supercharging of Internal  Combustion  Engines" - Springer Verlag, 1977.
• N. Watson, M.S. Janota – “Turbocharging the Internal Combustion Engine” – MacMillan Press Ltd, 1982.
• AA.VV. – “Bosch Automotive Handbook” – 7th Edition, Robert Bosch GmbH, 2007.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/9270/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Examination: oral test focusing on specific arguments developed within the course. 

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), the Polytechnic School's disability liaison.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination will be focused on the topics treated during the lessons and will be aimed at evaluating not only the fulfilment of an adequate knowledge level, but also the acquisition of critical analysis skills on the topics of the exam.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please ask the professor for any additional information not included in the teaching schedule.