AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

"The main objectives of the teaching unit are: to provide an adequate and critical knowledge on environmental friendly propulsion systems for different applications, taking into account energy-related and economic issues. To develop skills for the analysis and comparison of advanced systems and technologies for ultra-low emissions Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), the development of electric and hybrid propulsion systems and the application of fuel cells to road vehicles propulsion. To define criteria for the selection of different systems and technologies referring to several application fields. To assess real benefits in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact for the proposed technical solutions compared to conventional systems. To outline characteristics and properties of alternative fuels to guide for their selection and use, applying Well-to-Wheels/Well-to-Wake approaches."

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the unit, the student is expected to be able to:

• compare technical solutions for emissions control and CO2 reduction in propulsion systems with a quantitative approach;
• apply theoretical basis and operating principles to enhance performance and environmental impact of propulsion systems;
• identify feasible options for production and use of alternative fuels and energy vectors;
• evaluate technical pathways for the development of advanced propulsion systems;
• communicate effectively in written and oral form, adapting his/her communication to the context, using sources and aids of various kinds;
• use critical thinking and argumentative skills, processing and evaluating information;
• identify his/her own abilities, concentrate, and reflect critically on a task, managing complexity, showing resilience and autonomy in decision-making and in carrying out tasks, seeking support if necessary, managing stress;
• be aware of his/her own learning strategies, organise, and evaluate personal learning according to what has been understood and learnt, understand his/her own needs and ways of developing skills, showing ability to identify and pursue learning objectives.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (some of which are blended synchronous), including discussions on technical issues. Topics will be proposed and selected by students to develop detailed analyses of available literature, carefully selected websites, or using generative AI, for the purpose of preparing presentations for in-class seminars. Presentations will be discussed and peer-reviewed.

Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the course professor, the DIME contact person (federico.scarpa@unige.it), and the relevant office ( inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Advanced systems and technologies for ultra-low emissions ICE – General overview on problems, legislation and possible actions. Advanced fuel injection systems. Advanced combustion processes. Innovative devices and systems for exhaust emissions control. Advanced turbocharging concepts. CO2 emission reduction in thermal engines. Downsizing concept and related technologies.

Alternative fuels – Natural gas. Hydrogen and hydrogen-methane mixtures for thermal engine powertrains. Biofuels. Ammonia and methanol. CO2 emissions overall balance. Well-to-wheel analysis.

Electric and hybrid propulsion – Electric powertrain: advantages/disadvantages, performance, operating range, costs, components, overall energy and emissive balance. Hybrid propulsion: hybrid system configurations, hybrid categories (start-&-stop, micro, mild, full hybrid systems), main features, characteristics and limits of operating configurations, applied examples, overall energy and emissive balance, further developments.

Fuel cell application to propulsion systems – Fuel cell application to powertrain systems: types, operating problems, performance, hydrogen generation and storage systems, energy and emissive balance; applications, technical and economic issues, further developments.

Projects will also be developed to further explore topics discussed in class, including critical use of generative artificial intelligence.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Detailed notes on the different topics discussed in lectures will be provided by the teacher through the Aulaweb page. Therefore, all registered students, including working students, will access documents to prepare the exam. It is strongly recommended to attend the lectures.

• P. J. Dingle and M. D. Lai, Diesel Common Rail and Advanced Fuel Injection Systems, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2005.
• R. van Basshuysen, Gasoline Engine with Direct Injection, Vieweg+Teubner, 2009.
• AA. VV., Advanced combustion for low emissions and high efficiency: a literature review of HCCI combustion concepts, CONCAWE Technical Report no.4/08, 2008.
• B. Kegl, M. Kegl, S. Pehan, Green Diesel Engines – Biodiesel Usage in Diesel Engines, Springer, 2013.
• B. Morey, Future Automotive Fuels and Energy – Technology Profile, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2013.
• G. Kalghatgi, Fuel/Engine Interactions, Society of Automotive Engineers, 2014.
• K. Owen, T. Coley, Automotive Fuels Reference Book, Society of Automotive Engineers, 3rd Edition, 2014.
• I. Husain, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – Design Fundamentals, Taylor and Francis Group, 2011.
• AA. VV., Fuel Cell Handbook, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, 7th Edition, 2004.
• P. Corbo, F. Migliardini, O. Veneri, Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Road Vehicles, Springer, 2011.
• R. Edwards, H. Hass, J.F. Larivé, L. Lonza, H. Maas, D. Rickeard, Well-to-Wheels analysis of future automotive fuels and powertrains in the European context – Well-to-Wheels Report, Version 5, European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport, 2020.
• K. Senecal, F. Leach, Racing Toward Zero - The Untold Story of Driving Green. SAE International, 2021.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11917/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Discussion of projects developed during the course.

Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back, to the course professor, the DIME contact person (federico.scarpa@unige.it), and the relevant office ( inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi
 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The following aspects will be evaluated:

• knowledge and understanding of topics discussed during the lectures;
• application of a critical approach to compare options and characteristics of propulsion systems;
• use of proper technical language;
• skills in reproducing and discussing simple technical schemes.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.