In this module you will be developing your knowledge and skills around automotive powerplants, with a focus on internal combustion engines before branching out into new and emerging technologies around alternative fuels and powerplant systems. Investigations into new simulation techniques, the adoption of new materials and other improvements will show you how these processes have led to a significant improvement in engine performance and the reduction in emissions. You will be inspecting the engine design techniques and associated technology which has led to these advancements and discovering how new hybrid and electrical powertrains are taking this further.

You will be reflecting on the emergence of both new engine technologies and powertrain developments from advanced concepts for performance and emission enhancement as well as looking at how these systems, both traditional and innovative, are managed and controlled. As automation and connected systems develop and become increasingly complex, you will be seeing how these integrate with powerplant and drive systems to provide a complete system approach. You will continue the development of ultra-low emission I.C.E technology to extend the range of all-electric drivetrains.

A 2500-word report covering technical literature review with vehicle engine modelling and simulations, weighted at 50%, and assessing learning outcomes 2, 3, and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2, M3, M5, M7

A 2-hour examination, weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcome 1. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 40% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain deep understanding, advanced knowledge, critical, analytical and evaluation skills for problems solving and create solutions through a variety of activities, including formal lectures, laboratories-based activities, tutorials and software-based sessions, and guided independent learning opportunities.

Students will also be supported through Blackboard VLE and use of university library.

1. Demonstrate knowledge while investigating and calculating parameters related to internal combustion engine components and systems for a range of performance and emissions related outcomes. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Analysis,

Learning,

Knowledge and Understanding,
Application

2. Analyse powertrain support systems including, induction, fuelling, and exhaust systems to construct relationships between the performance of each individual system and the interaction between systems. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M3)

Analysis,

Reflection

Problem Solving,
Knowledge and Understanding,
Application

3. Assess and appraise current research in the field of new powertrain systems and concepts to minimise their impact on the environment. (AHEP 4: M5, M7)

Communication

Reflection

Problem Solving

4. ¿Apply and evaluate computational analysis techniques to solve design, flow, and emission problems in various powertrain systems. (AHEP 4: M3, M5, M7)

Knowledge and Understanding,
Application,
Communication

Reflection

Blackboard VLE
Library facilities

Realis WAVE Software or equivalent

Workshop and Testing facilities.

Standard office software

Rao, G. A. P. and Sharma, T. K., (2021) Engine Emission Control Technologies: Design Modifications and Pollution Mitigation Techniques. CRC Press

Arenas, J. P. and Crocker, J., (2021). Engineering Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Control. 5th Ed. Wiley.

Blair, G. P., (1996) Design and Simulation of Two-Stroke Engines SAE International

Blair, G. P., (1999) Design and Simulation of Four-Stroke Engines SAE International

Ehsani, M., Gao, Y., Longo, S. and Ebrahimi, K., (2019) Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles 3rd Ed. CRC Press

Everest, F. A. and Pohlmann, K. C., (2009). Master Handbook of Acoustics, 5th Ed. McGraw-Hill Edu.

Ferguson, C. R. and Kirkpatrick, A. T., (2015) Internal Combustion Engines: Applied Thermosciences 3rd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell

Heisler, H., (1995) Vehicle and Engine Technology 2nd Ed. Butterworth-Heinemann

Heywood, J. B., (1989) Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals McGraw-Hill Edu.

Stone, R., (2012) Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines 4th Ed. Palgrave Macmillan

This module provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of automotive powerplants, starting with internal combustion engines before moving to investigate alternative fuels and powerplant systems. You will use simulation techniques and software-based modelling to create complex engine models for analysis and data gathering. You will reflect on the emergence of new technologies and developments in powertrain performance and emission enhancements.