Interest from Ghent University (B) in H2020-Transport Call

Project ideas
Specific topics of interest
We are interested in the following topics.
GV.6 - 2015. Powertrain control for heavy-duty vehicles with optimised emissions as of 2014
Project ideas
Demonstrating the application of alternative fuels such as methanol (producible from natural
gas as well as renewable sources, and liquid so much easier to distribute and store), through
engine test bench measurements or the support of a party converting engines to alternative
fuel operation
Delivering fundamental data on combustion properties of alternative fuels and/or dual fuel
operation, for modelers, using our constant volume combustion chamber setup
Developing simulation tools for engines operating on alternative fuels or dual fuel engines,
for fast and cheap optimization of the engine settings, or for engine integration
Measuring local instantaneous heat flux in engines to support engine development,
modeling, control etc.
We are also open to other project ideas that link to our expertise detailed below.

Partner profile
Expertise
The research group Transport Technology of the Department of Flow, Heat and Combustion
Mechanics at Ghent University is specialized in internal combustion engines. The groups research is
focused on the in-cylinder processes (spray formation, combustion, heat transfer, emission
formation), particularly for:

alternative fuels for spark ignition engines, such as hydrogen, ethanol, methanol and
alcohol-gasoline blends;
alternative fuels for compression ignition engines such as straight vegetable oils, animal fats
and waste-derived fuels;
optimization of medium high speed marine engines through in-cylinder measures

This research is done on three levels:

fundamental: determination of fuel combustion properties needed for engine models,

experimental: measurement of engine characteristics on engine test benches, optimization
in terms of power output, efficiency and emissions; demonstration of the potential of new
fuels
numerical: development of simulation tools to aid in the optimization of engine settings

1/3

The group is headed by Prof. Sebastian Verhelst. He obtained his PhD in 2005 and was appointed
part-time lecturer in alternative fuels for internal combustion engines in October 2008. Since October
2011 he obtained a full-time tenured position as Associate Professor of internal combustion engines.
Resources & infrastructure
The groups facilities include 5 engine dynos, ranging from 45kW to 260kW, including DC electric
machines, an eddy current dyno and Froude water brakes. 4 engine test benches are currently used
for the experimental work: 2 single cylinder engines for gaseous or liquid fuels, 1 four-cylinder bi-fuel
engine (liquid or gaseous fuel) and 1 six-cylinder diesel truck engine. All are fully instrumented in
terms of cylinder pressure, temperature and gaseous emissions measurements. 2 additional engines
are presently being mounted: 1 automotive turbocharged DI gasoline engine and 1 automotive
common-rail diesel engine.
The group also has a worldwide unique setup, the GUCCI setup (for Ghent University Combustion
Chamber I), a constant-volume combustion chamber setup, which allows visualization of flame
propagation, spray formation and auto-ignition processes at engine-like conditions. It is unique for its
relatively large volume (4,1 liter), allowing to mount marine diesel injectors; as well as for its fuel
preheating system allowing highly viscous fuels to be tested.
The group has developed a multi-zone thermodynamic engine model in-house, the GUEST code (for
Ghent University Engine Simulation Tool), for the numerical work. Commercial engine simulation
software such as GT-Power and LMS AMESim is also used.
Accomplishments
Converted several gasoline and diesel engines for operation on methanol, ethanol, hydrogen,

Demonstrated the power, efficiency and emissions potential of engines running on

methanol, hydrogen, alcohol-water blends and alcohol-gasoline blends
6 multiyear research projects successfully finished, 5 other currently running
Authored over 50 papers in international scientific journals, 5 book chapters and 90
conference papers.
4 running PhD theses, 4 completed PhD theses
Several invitations for keynote speeches, special issue papers, workshops, topical reviews,

Industrial and academic Network

We are strongly connected to ABC, Anglo Belgian Corporation, a manufacturer of medium speed
engines for marine, rail and genset application. At the latest CIMAC congress, our joint paper The
CRISTAL Engine: ABC's New Medium Speed Diesel Engine, Developed to Comply with IMO III
received the CIMAC Presidents Award.
We have other relevant industrial links, e.g. originating from the following accomplishments:

Co-authors of our publications include BMW, Toyota, Ford, Lotus, Anglo Belgian Corporation,
Argonne National Lab, TU Graz, University of Oxford, Lund University, Leeds University, NTU
Athens,

2/3

S. Verhelst is President of the Belgian society of automotive engineers, UBIA, since 2010 (vice
president since 2007)
S. Verhelst is a member of the local organizing committee of the FISITA World Automotive
Congress 2014, and vice-chair of the Congress Scientific&Technical Committee

Administrative information and contact details

Ghent University
Department of Flow, Heat and Combustion Mechanics
Transport Technology research group
Prof. Sebastian Verhelst
sebastian.verhelst@UGent.be
+32 9 264 3306
url: http://users.ugent.be/~sverhels

3/3