Internal Combustion Engines

The Internal Combustion Engines Group (ICEG) has been working since over 40 years at the University of Genoa. Its research activity is focused on different subjects related to reciprocating internal combustion engines (ICE) with the aim of improving their performance and reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, referring to different sectors and mainly to automotive applications.

Both theoretical and experimental investigations are performed at ICEG. The experimental activity is supported by the availability of specific test facilities:

  • two CFR (Cooperative Fuel Research Engine) single cylinder engines (a spark ignition and a Diesel one) for the determination of fuel characteristics (octane or cetane number);
  • a steady-state eddy current dynamometer test bench, which allows to install two different engines;
  • a test rig for investigations on components of propulsion systems.

ICEG research work is developed within national and European projects or through collaboration agreements with companies and official organisations and is reflected by the papers produced by the group, published on selected journals or presented at national and international conferences.

The group has a previous research experience on different subjects such as:

  • Automotive engines turbocharging
  • Diesel engines control 
  • Intake and exhaust system components characterisation
  • ICE mechanical losses
  • Engine part-load operation (cylinder deactivation, etc)
  • ICEG is currently involved in three main thematic areas related to the following aspects:
  • Experimental investigations on spark ignition and diesel engines
  • Automotive intake and exhaust system components performance
  • Road vehicles exhaust emissions modeling

Location

  • Scuola Politecnica, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Energetica, Gestionale e dei Trasporti, Sezione MASET, Via Montallegro 1, I - 16145 Genova, Italia

Researches 

  • Massimo Capobianco
  • Silvia Marelli
  • Giorgio Zamboni

Research Topics

  • Investigations on the use of biofuels in internal combustion engines
  • Experimental studies on Diesel ICEs control
  • Road vehicles exhaust emissions and fuel consumption evaluation under real driving conditions
  • Experimental investigation on components of propulsion systems
  • Turbochargers for automotive application

Last update 19 January 2022