Aerospace Division
With this in mind, the Institution’s Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport conference in Birmingham once again brings together the international community of specialist engineers working in this field to share their recent studies and technical developments.
Ahead of the conference, we caught up with speaker Mike Bassett, Chief Engineer of Research & Advanced Engineering at MAHLE Powertrain GmbH, who will be contributing to the conference agenda with their session “MAHLE Modular Hybrid Powertrain”.
Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to engines and/or powertrain systems.
Mike Bassett (MB): I studied for a PhD in the area of gas-dynamic simulation of internal combustion engines. The specific focus of the study was the modelling of multi-pipe junctions within a one-dimensional wave-action engine simulation. Following my PhD I worked at Lotus Engineering within the Powertrain CAE group at Lotus Engineering as both a user and a developer of the Lotus Engine Simulation and Lotus Vehicle Simulation computer codes. I moved to MAHLE Powertrain 12 years ago, and I lead MAHLE Powertrain’s research activities within the UK. Our main focus has been gasoline engine development, especially in terms of high-specific output engines and downsizing. Our current activities also focus on hybridisation (mild and plug-in at 48V and higher) and also full electric drivetrains, vehicle cooling and ancillaries. In terms of IC engine research we are focusing on pre-chamber based combustion systems.
Q: What are the main engineering challenges facing the industry at the moment?
MB: The main focus over the coming years will be focused on meeting fleet C02 targets. Currently legislation favours increased electrification (off-board electricity counts as zero C02). Increasing fleet electrification in a way that provides consumers a desirable product, at an acceptable price, and in a way that is truly environmentally beneficial is a major logistical and engineering challenge.
Q: What key topics are you excited to discuss?
MB: There are some very interesting developments happening in the field of IC engines – considerable efficiency improvements are being realised through the various dilute (lean or EGR) combustion systems that are being developed. However, I think there will be big strides to be made in bio and renewable fuels – the benefits offered by these technologies are that they could give immediate benefits in CO2 reduction, without the reliance of waiting for the existing global vehicle fleet to be replaced with a newer technology. These fuels are also quite suited to extremely downsizied engines – allowing greater levels of specific output and reduced emissions too!
Q: What are the most common gripes you hear from your colleagues?
MB: Too little time!
Q: Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
MB: I am looking forward to the presentation by Carsten Weber of Ford. Working in a consultancy business, it is always useful to gain a deeper understanding of the views of OEMs on the challenges that they face and understand their plans and perspectives on future technologies.
Q: What developments are you most interested in for the future and why?
MB: I am very interested in the presentations focussing on hybrid powertrain optimisation, RDE testing and meeting future emissions targets. I hope that there will be some lively discussions prompted by the presentations.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
MB: The conference contains a good mix of presentations that cover the key challenges facing the industry currently.
Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport takes places on 11-12 December 2019 in Birmingham.
The latest in the Institution’s series of conferences on engine and powertrain technologies, the December conference will bring together engineers from industry and academia across the world to share the latest technologies, research and industry trends.
Join to hear how your peers across the world are developing innovative solutions to improve powertrain efficiency while meeting future emissions requirements. Contributing organisations on this year’s agenda include:
- Ford
- JCB
- MAHLE Powertrain
- Ricardo
- HORIBA MIRA
- Concawe
- Aramco
- HIS Markit
- University of Brighton
- Brunel University and many more.
For full event details and to book your place, please visit the event website at www.imeche.org/icengines.