Ingemar Denbratt CERC
The Combustion Engine
Research Center (CERC) at
Chalmers University
Ingemar Denbratt
Professor, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences
Director, Combustion Engine Research Center
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
Introduction
- Present program period: 2014-01-01 -- 2017-12-31
- Funding EA: 8 milj SEK per year (96 milj in total)
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
CERC Vision
To generate knowledge and methods that the automotive industry
needs to be able to develop highly efficient and ultra-clean internal
combustion engines, taking exhaust aftertreatment into account,
that use renewable/low carbon fuels and are a part of an
electrified/hybridized powertrain.
Enabling vehicles with negligible emissions of
• NOx, Particles, CO and HC
• Greenhouse gases
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
• To conduct groundbreaking engine and powertrain-related research
with a focus on turbulent combustion of transient sprays, engine
efficiency, emissions, control and electrification.
• Experiment and simulation will be strongly coupled; with the goal to
develop successively more predictive engine models.
• To educate top level engineers and scientists who will be able to
secure rapid technological development for the Swedish motor industry.
• To serve as a forum in which industrialists and academics can meet to
exchange knowledge and information productively.
CERC Mission
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
Research areas CERC 2018-2021
1. Engines & Powertrains (applied research)
- SI Engines (spark ignition engines)
- CI Engines (compression ignition engines)
- Hybrid powertrains, control and vehicle modeling (1D and
0D)
- Renewable fuels
2. Sprays and optical diagnostics (generic research)
3. Development of numerical methods, spray and
combustion models
Fundamental for the activities of CERC is that all projects will be
carried out in close collaboration between the industry and the
university
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
Scientific Leadership
• CERC board discusses and makes recommendations on
research strategy and future projects
• Formal decisions are made by a delegate of Chalmers
Rector – Angela Hillemyr
• Regular working group meetings provide guidance for all
projects.
• Report on project status at every board meeting (research,
timing and economy)
• International Advisory Board comments on and advises
about research trends and needs.
• Annual seminar, with all industrial members invited
• Regular seminars at member companies
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
CERC Board
• Sören Udd, Chair
• vacant, Volvo Car
• Per Stålhammar, Scania
• Johan Wallesten, Volvo GTT
• Tomas McKelvey, Chalmers
• Maria Grahn, Chalmers
• Anders Johansson,
Swedish Energy Agency
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
International Advisory Board
• Prof. Christian Hasse, University of Darmstadt,
Germany
• Prof. André Boehman Department of Mechanical
Engineering, University of Michigan, USA
• CERC Seminar
o Held annually in May/June at Chalmers
Technology Park, this years seminar Tuesday
May 30
o All are welcome
Ingemar Denbratt CERC
Modelling
Improving the predictability of CFD
models:
• Turbulent combustion models for
high-efficiency, low emission engine
concepts working in non-standard
and/or mixed-mode combustion
regimes
• Spray models, in particular primary
breakup, impact of cavitation, multi-
component evaporation and mixing
• Chemistry modeling with an
emphasis on a wide range of
validity (operating conditions) and
computational efficiency
Simulation platform: OpenFoam
Systems modelling:
• Complete hybrid electric vehicles