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Fuels and lubricants
IFP has a cross-expertise in terms of engine technologies and fuel development. Its primary goal is to use this know-how to optimize the coherence between engine and fuel technologies (both petroleum-based and alternative).
Research themes
The impact of fuel formulation on HCCI and CAI combustion systems
IFP’s teams are studying the impact of fuel formulation on new combustion systems:
- HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition),
- CAI (Controlled Auto Ignition).
The aim is to extend, to the greatest extent possible, the engine operating zone corresponding to these systems by modifying the physicochemical characteristics of the fuels.
IFP proposes pluri-annual research programs realized within international consortiums in partnership with oil companies, refiners and additive companies, car manufacturers and OEMs.
In parallel with these consortiums, IFP also collaborate with Total, Renault and PSA as part of the Groupement Scientifique Moteurs (GSM) to examine the impact of fuel on:
- combustion in very highly-charged engines (MEP 30 bars),
- the behavior of low compression-ratio diesel engines during cold starts (-20°C).
Assessing alternative fuels with low greenhouse gas emissions
This is another priority theme for IFP. The research carried out focuses on the following in particular:
- ensuring that biofuels (biodiesel, ethanol, etc.) do not have a negative impact on the behavior of engines and their various components (including pollution abatement systems),
- contributing to the drawing up of standardization specifications for these fuels (E85 in particular),
- evaluating FFVs (Flex Fuel Vehicle).
Developing low SAPS lubricants
Increasingly stringent pollution control standards and system durability requirements are driving the development of lubricants with very low ash contents (low SAPS oils). The long-drain test method developed in partnership with Renault to evaluate the performances of these lubricants has been validated and is operational.
+ Industrial development > IFP's offer in fuels and lubricants
