Delphi Receives Grant Offer From the Department of Energy for Gasoline Direct Compression Ignition Technology
04 February 2010
Delphi Corp., along with a team from Hyundai America Technical Center and academia was recently selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE) for a $7.48 million grant to demonstrate a new high-efficiency vehicle concept. (Earlier post.) A key strategy for achieving the project goals will be a pioneering low-temperature gasoline combustion system that could help significantly improve light-duty vehicle fuel economy.
In the low-temperature combustion concept called gasoline direct compression ignition, fuel is ignited by compression rather than by spark, similar to GDi homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). The novel concept offers the potential for diesel-like efficiency while maintaining very low emissions.
Delphi advanced powertrain systems engineers will partner with Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc (HATCI); Wisconsin Engine Research Consultants (WERC); the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW); and Wayne State University (WSU).
Delphi is an industry leader in advanced powertrain technology development, with new gasoline direct injection (GDi) systems soon entering production. Hyundai, the world’s fourth largest automaker, has declared GDi among its key technologies to lead the industry in fuel economy. Hyundai engineers and produces millions of engines and vehicles globally, adding a unique technology integration and manufacturing perspective, while WERC and the universities provide fundamental technology development capabilities.
The team will use an integrated systems approach for the project. A set of complementary improvements across the powertrain will be applied so that significant engine efficiencies can be realized at an affordable cost. Delphi’s engine management controls will optimize system efficiency, while meeting emissions and engine performance goals. The combustion technology will be enabled by Delphi’s advanced variable valve actuation and GDi technologies. The combination of these and other technology applications is targeted to achieve a 25% or greater improvement in fuel economy at the vehicle level.
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc (HATCI), headquartered in Superior Township, Michigan, near Ann Arbor, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. HATCI provides design and engineering support and tests and certifies all Hyundai and Kia products sold in North America. In addition to the headquarters in Michigan, HATCI operates two design centers in Irvine, Calif., one engineering facility in Irvine, two engineering facilities in Chino, California and the Hyundai California Proving Ground in California City, California.
How does this differ from the 'Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology' Hyundai has in production for the 2011 Sonata being announced this weekend?
Posted by: kelly | 04 February 2010 at 08:30 AM
There seems to be plenty of private sector work in this field; I don't see why taxpayer research funds are being deployed. The route to higher efficiency should be via higher operating teperature, not lower?
Posted by: nordic | 04 February 2010 at 09:45 AM
"...low-temperature combustion concept called gasoline direct compression ignition, fuel is ignited by compression rather than by spark, similar to GDi homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). The novel concept offers the potential for diesel-like efficiency while maintaining very low emissions."
That is the difference. HCCI is hard to control under various loads, but if it runs as a genset it might be done.
Posted by: SJC | 04 February 2010 at 10:04 AM
A single cylinder range extender would allow an electric car to only need a small battery pack.
Posted by: 3PeaceSweet | 06 February 2010 at 02:01 PM
I don't see any difference from HCCI. One of the benefits of HCCI, is large EGR to cool the combustion, as well as the mileage benefits of diesel operation.
HCCI affords low NOx creation, allowing inexpensive cleanup. This is in contrast with the exotic cleanup required in most compression ignition engines.
Posted by: Stan Peterson | 09 February 2010 at 10:26 AM