Innovative concepts

Innovative combustion processes

IFP is a leader in the field of combustion processes. Its work enables it to refresh the range of products and services that it offers, with attractive solutions that specifically address the problems raised by new direct injection engines:

• gasoline (improve efficiency while simultaneously reducing CO₂ emissions),
• diesel (reduce NOx and particulate emissions, without sacrificing performance).

IFP is working to understand combustion modes in order to meet performance, fuel consumption, and pollution requirements. In particular, this implies understanding the phenomena and mastering the parameters of combustion in all phases: initiation, propagation, and formation of pollutants. IFP’s teams are therefore developing combustion processes :

• diesel HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition),
• gasoline CAI (Controlled Auto-Ignition).

To understand the fundamental mechanisms of these new combustion modes, IFP makes use of optical diagnostics.

Innovative demonstration vehicles

In order to comply with the various environmental regulations, engines are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Numerous adjustment parameters, managed by the electronic control unit, are involved in their development. These last years, teams from the Engine Technology Department, in close collaboration with teams from the Technology, Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Division, have developed calibration methods on dedicated engine test benches, using simulation and automation tools.
These engineering teams and resources lead to the development of demonstration vehicles highlighting the innovative approaches adopted by IFP and thereby finding applications for the advances made on engine test benches.

IFP’s expertise in fuel and powertrain systems for the transport sector earned the Carnot label certification. >> For further information