The demand for improved energy efficiency in real-world vehicle operations continues to grow with technology enhancement. When transporting large cargo loads with passenger pickup trucks and rental trailers, the interaction between vehicle payload, towing configuration, and fuel consumption becomes a key factor in overall system efficiency. Understanding how towing configurations and trailer loading influence fuel consumption and vehicle performance is critical for both consumer guidance and vehicle system design. This study investigates the energy efficiency of U-Haul truck and trailer systems, with a particular focus on the influence of trailer tongue weight. U-Haul truck and trailer simulation models were developed using AVL Vehicle Simulation Model (VSM) software, with an F-350 engine brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) map integrated to represent realistic engine performance. Two configurations with equal payload were evaluated: (1) a U-Haul truck alone, and (2) a U-Haul truck

Wang, Gang, Kathadi, Mohammad, Yang, William, Chen, Yan

Effect of Passive Pre-Chamber Geometry on Performance and Emissions of a Single-Cylinder Natural Gas Large Bore Engine

2026-01-0333

4/7/2026

The maritime industry is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, characterized by high fuel consumption and significant environmental impact. As global trade relies on shipping, the challenge of reducing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions becomes ever more pressing. Natural gas (NG) is considered as a transitional fuel, capable of lowering CO₂ emissions by 20–30% compared to conventional marine fuels. However, to fully harness this potential, significant advances in combustion technology are necessary, particularly with ultra-lean combustion strategies. One of the most promising pathways is pre-chamber combustion, a solution that can simultaneously improve the efficiency and sustainability of NG marine engines. In this scenario, the passive pre-chamber geometry plays a key role, as it directly influences ignition behavior, combustion stability, and exhaust emissions. This work presents an experimental study conducted on a single-cylinder marine engine prototype, retrofitted from

Marchitto, Luca, Tornatore, Cinzia, Pennino, Vincenzo, Mariani PhD, Antonio, Beatrice, Carlo, Accurso, Francesco, Gorietti, Valentina, Pesce, Francesco, Giardino, Angelo, Vitti, Luciano

Effect of Renewable Fuel Blends on Particulate Emissions under Medium Engine Load and Injector Coking Conditions in a GDI Engine

2026-01-0301

4/7/2026

Renewable gasoline is blended with fossil gasoline as part of the effort to achieve zero net carbon emissions. This study examined how five gasoline fuels with different hydrocarbon compositions affect engine-out gaseous and particle number (PN) emissions. Gasolines F3 and F4 reduce GHG emissions by 54% and 35%, compared with fossil gasoline. The other three gasolines reduce GHG emissions by 4-9%. Tests were conducted on a single-cylinder GDI engine at 10-14 bar indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and 2000 rpm. The injector-tip coking behavior of the test fuels and the resulting PN emissions were also investigated at 10 bar IMEP. Spray plume targets and start-of-injection (SOI) timing were adjusted to examine how the test fuels affected PN emissions. An endoscope was used to identify the sources of soot during fuel combustion. The experimental results show that PN varies with gasoline composition and engine operating conditions. Aromatics and olefins contribute more to injector

Muniappan, Krishnamoorthi, Dahlander, Petter, Helmantel, Ayolt, Alemahdi, Nika, Lehto, Kalle

Achieving 70% Urban Fuel Consumption Reduction: An Opposed-Piston Engine-Based Mild-Hybrid Powertrain Architecture for Light Commercial Vehicles (JLA-2/JLA-T)

2026-01-0432

4/7/2026

This paper proposes a novel powertrain architecture for the urban Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, leveraging the compact JLA-2 opposed-piston (OP) engine paired with the reconfigurable JLA-T mild-hybrid architecture. Within SAE literature, OP engines are consistently associated with simplicity. As highlighted by Tom Ryan III (2008 SAE President) in the foreword of Opposed Piston Engines: Evolution, Use, and Future Applications, this architecture is characterized by its manufacturing simplicity” and described as a “relatively simple, robust, and cost effective” power unit solution. The present work builds on this established view. The JLA-2 engine solves traditional packaging constraints by reducing the block width by 30% for horizontal installation and is volumetrically self-sufficient, eliminating external compressors. Although the gear train required for crank synchronization introduces design challenges, explicitly accounted for in our model, the elimination of the cylinder

Nigro, Norberto, Aguerre, Horacio, Carignano, Mauro Guido, Alonso, José Luis, Juni, Carlos A.

Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning Framework for Transmission Shift Schedule Optimization

2026-01-0162

4/7/2026

Building upon previous work that successfully employed a Reinforcement Learning (RL) agent for the autonomous optimization of transmission shift programs to enhance fuel efficiency, this paper addresses a critical limitation of that approach: the neglect of human-centric factors. While the prior methodology achieved substantial fuel consumption reductions by training an RL agent in a Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) environment, it did not explicitly account for aspects such as driver comfort and preferences, which are paramount for real-world user acceptance and drivability. This work presents a multi-objective optimization framework extending the artificial calibrator to simultaneously maximize fuel efficiency and enhance driver comfort. The method introduces a modified RL reward function that penalizes undesirable shift behavior to ensure a smooth driving experience (drivability). This new methodology also incorporates a mechanism to capture and integrate driver preferences, moving beyond

Kengne Dzegou, Thierry Junior, Schober, Florian, Rebesberger, Ron, Henze, Roman, Sturm, Axel

Optimization Method for Vehicle Shape to Drastically Reduce Aerodynamic Drag in Heavy-Duty Vehicles

2026-01-0603

4/7/2026

Since air drag is proportional to the square of the speed, it is expected that reducing air drag will significantly improve fuel efficiency for on-highway trucks and buses, which are often driven at high speeds. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose an optimization method for vehicle shape to drastically reduce aerodynamic drag in heavy-duty vehicles. Using NSGA-II, one of a genetic algorithm, the overall vehicle shape was optimized with drag coefficient (CD) and lift coefficient (CL) values as objective functions and design variables as parameters in a total of 13 locations. Among the Pareto solutions, an 86% reduction in CD was achieved compared to the base shape when the CD value was the lowest. Since the CL value remains low with this shape, it can be seen that driving stability does not deteriorate. Among the design variables in optimization, it was confirmed that the corner radius of the vehicle side was particularly effective in reducing the CD value. In addition

Kawano, Daisuke

Real-Time Observations of the Effect of Fuel Dilution in an Engine Transient Friction Rig. Along with Real-Time Observations of Fuel Entering and Leaving Internal Combustion Engine Oil, over Both Standard Engine, ICE and Plug-In Hybrid, PHEV Dynamic Drive Cycles

2026-01-0351

4/7/2026

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) with an increasing level of electrification, are becoming a major part of the global energy transition. To achieve lower engine tailpipe exhaust emissions and improve total fuel consumption, typically the HEV control system expertly and frequently switches between the internal combustion engine and electric motor drive, with multiple stops and restarts of the internal combustion engine (ICE). As a consequential result of this switching, are typically slower or even incomplete engine warm-up times, depending on the engine speed, load pattern and run time of the vehicle drive cycle. Along with the speed and load transient control, the engine stop and start processes are also challenging to control, with respect to cold start fuel and combustion by-products entering the oil. Consequently, contamination enters the engine oil but may not completely leave. These effects are highly transient over the drive cycle. Contaminants and in particular, fuel dilution

Butcher, Richard, Bradley, Nathan, Thedering, Dennis

Simultaneous Reduction of NOx and Fuel Consumption for Off-Road Powertrains

2026-01-0296

4/7/2026

Simultaneously reducing criteria pollutants and fuel consumption is important for clean air and improving vehicle total cost of ownership. The goal of this effort was focused on a 90% NOx reduction and 10% fuel savings for an off-road 407 kW diesel engine. The baseline was a production Fiat Powertrain 13L engine and aftertreatment system meeting 0.4 g/kW-hr NOx. The baseline system was quantified over the NRTC, RMC, new low load cycle and five field cycles. A next generation engine was built incorporating several fuel-efficient design features, including a higher compression ratio, increased fuel-rail pressure, low-friction piston rings, and a high-efficiency variable-geometry turbocharger. Cylinder deactivation and EGR pump technologies were added to this engine as well. The combination was optimized prior to adding advanced aftertreatment systems, showing the trade-off of engine out NOx and exhaust temperature. Two next-generation catalyst technologies were employed into a LO-SCR

McCarthy, Jr.,, James, Wine, Jonathan, Bradley, Ryan, Hasseman, Andy, Prikhodko, Vitaly, Howell, Thomas

Technical Outlook on the Potential of HVO and Biodiesel Blends for Cleaner Combustion

2026-01-0316

4/7/2026

The increasing need to decarbonize the transport sector is accelerating the adoption of renewable and low-carbon fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and biodiesel as sustainable substitutes for fossil diesel. These fuels are evaluated as drop-in solutions requiring no engine recalibration, enabling immediate GHG emission reduction in existing diesel fleets. This study experimentally investigates the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a turbocharged common-rail two-cylinder diesel engine (Kohler LWD 442 CRS) operated with conventional fossil Diesel, pure HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), and an HVOB20 blend (80% HVO and 20% biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil and animal fats). Tests were carried out under steady-state conditions at the DIIEM Engine Laboratory of Roma Tre University. The analysis focused on in-cylinder pressure evolution, brake power, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and both regulated and unregulated emissions. Regulated

Zaccai, Martina, Chiavola, Ornella, Palmieri, Fulvio, Verdoliva, Francesco

Effect of Renewable Fuel Blends on Particulate Emissions in Warm-Up Conditions in a GDI Engine

2026-01-0304

4/7/2026

Renewable gasoline offers significant benefits in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, five gasolines with different renewable hydrocarbon classes and varying distillation curves were taken to investigate their effect on particle number (PN) emissions in a spark-ignition GDI engine at 10 bar indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and 2000 rpm. The engine coolant temperature was varied from 90°C to 35°C to investigate the effect of fuel evaporation on soot formation. Injectors with various spray plume targets and start of injection (SOI) timing (300° and 260° bTDC) were used to assess how different gasolines affect engine performance and to determine engine calibration requirements. A simplified transient cycle examines how engine motoring influences PN emissions for test gasolines. A high-speed camera and endoscope were used to identify the sources of soot during fuel combustion. Simulations were done to assess the quality of fuel-air mixing in support of the

Muniappan, Krishnamoorthi, Dahlander, Petter, Helmantel, Ayolt, Alemahdi, Nika, Lehto, Kalle

Embedded Real-Time Control of a Distributed Trailer Propulsion System with Regenerative Braking for Net Neutral Load Towing

2026-01-0065

4/7/2026

Towing imposes substantial efficiency penalties on both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, reducing range by 30-50%. This paper presents a proof-of-concept embedded control architecture for distributed trailer propulsion that actively regulates drawbar force to reduce towing loads. Unlike proprietary e-trailer systems requiring specialized hardware, the proposed implementation demonstrates feasibility using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and open-source software. The distributed architecture employs dual Raspberry Pi 4B single-board computers communicating via ROS 2 at 20 Hz. The trailer-mounted controller executes a Simulink-generated control node coordinating load cell acquisition (HX711 ADC), motor CAN bus telemetry, and throttle commands to a 5 kW BLDC traction motor powered by a 5 kWh LiFePO4 battery pack. A vehicle-mounted controller logs OBD-II/CAN validation data. The control pipeline implements cascaded EWMA/Hampel

Joshi, Gaurav, Adelman, Ian, Liu, Jun, Donnaway, Ruthie

Establishing a Standard S-Factor: Improving Accuracy and Flexibility in SOC Corrections for HEV Testing

2026-01-0422

4/7/2026

Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) fuel economy test procedures require that the net energy change (NEC) of the battery not interfere with measuring accurate fuel consumption results. SAE J1711-2010 required the NEC to stay within 1% of fuel energy consumption, assuming that residual changes in state of charge (SOC) would have negligible impact. In practice, however, the asymmetry between fuel and electricity conversion efficiencies means that an imbalance of one unit of battery energy can translate into a likely fuel consumption error of roughly three units. A standard S-Factor, a dimensionless ratio of marginal fuel change to marginal NEC change, was introduced in J1711-2023 to improve SOC correction procedures. The method improves upon the previous J1711 (2010) accuracy by correcting all results for NEC changes and expands the NEC-to-fuel ratio (NECFR) window, enabling HEVs to use electric propulsion more aggressively and potentially achieve higher fuel economy in testing and real-world

Duoba, Michael

On-Road Vehicle Testing and Characterization

2026-01-0195

4/7/2026

Vehicle testing for fuel economy and emissions is typically performed indoors over standard dynamometer drive schedules to minimize variability and maximize repeatability of the results. In contrast, during on-road operation, operational parameters such as vehicle speed and acceleration and environmental factors such as temperature and wind will change unpredictably. These factors influence vehicle fuel economy and emissions, making on-road operation much more variable than dynamometer results. However, even though on-road conditions may be unpredictable, the on-road operational data can still be used to characterize vehicle performance. This paper describes the development of an on-road vehicle test methodology, with a focus on accounting for on-road factors with a high degree of accuracy while requiring only an achievable and reasonable amount of data. To develop this methodology, a 2016 Honda Civic was instrumented and driven multiple times over a route covering urban, rural, and

Moskalik, Andrew, Barba, Daniel

Integrated DBSCAN-Based Segmentation of Tractor Activity into Productive and Non-Productive States from GPS Data

2026-01-0169

4/7/2026

Accurate identification of Productive and Non-Productive States or tractor duty cycles—comprising working, idle, and transport states—is critical for performance analysis, fuel optimization, and emissions modeling in agriculture machinery and fleet monitoring. This study explores the application of integrated unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques to classify duty cycles using GPS-derived parameters such as speed, location variance, and temporal patterns. Unlike supervised approaches, the proposed method does not rely on several labeled engine and vehicle parameters, making it scalable and adaptable across diverse operational contexts. Clustering algorithm DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) in integration with hybrid rule-based and a road feature is employed to segment GPS data into distinct behavioral states. Feature engineering focuses on extracting motion signatures and spatial-temporal features that correlate with operational modes

Maharana, Devi prasad, Gangsar, Purushottam, Dharmadhikari, Nitin, Pandey, Anand Kumar

Assessing Energy Use, Cost, and Emissions of Small Regional Rail Vehicles: Methodology and Case Study on a German Track

2026-01-0419

4/7/2026

This work evaluates a standardized 30-ton, 16 m railbus platform optimized for unelectrified regional service, focusing on propulsion system design and trade-offs between range, cost, and emissions. A MATLAB/Simulink drive-cycle model was developed to simulate energy consumption and component performance under realistic operating conditions. The Erfurt–Rennsteig route in Germany (130 km round trip, gradients up to 6 %) was selected as a representative case study. The model incorporates detailed sub-models for traction motors, lithium-ion batteries (LFP and LTO), fuel storage, fuel cells, and ICE gensets across multiple fuel options (diesel, gasoline, methane, ethanol, methanol, HVO, FAME, and hydrogen). Battery lifetime is estimated using a combined cycle- and calendar-aging model using the rainflow algorithm to extract charge cycles, while cost models include capital, fuel, maintenance, track fees, and staffing. Results show that battery-electric configurations achieve 1 kWh/km energy

Ahrling, Christoffer, Tuner, Martin, Gainey, Brian, Torkiharchegani, Amir, Scharmach, Marcel, Hertel, Benedikt, Alaküla, Mats

Study on the Regulation of the Three-Phase Microenvironment in Low-Platinum MEA

2026-01-0443

4/7/2026

With the growth of energy demand, fuel cells as efficient and clean energy devices, have attracted increasing attention. However, the high cost of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) restricts their large-scale application. Therefore, reducing the platinum usage and improving performance have become key research point. In this work, MEA was prepared and excellent performance of 1.52 W·cm-2 was achieved at a low platinum loading. The influence of different ionomer/carbon (I/C) ratio on the performance of fuel cells was systematically investigated. It was found that the performance of the MEA was the highest when the I/C ratio is 0.6. Quantifying hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics of catalyst layers with varying ionomer contents revealed that the proton conduction efficiency is optimal when the I/C ratio is 0.6. This balance established efficient proton conduction pathways, from the results of proton conduction impedance testing. SEM analysis demonstrated that pore structure

Li, Xin, Cai, Xin, Lin, Rui

Evaluating the Impact of Drag Coefficient Changes on Driving Energy Using a Probability Distribution Model of Yaw Angle Based on Empirical Data from North American Highway

2026-01-0615

4/7/2026

This study estimates the impact on driving energy of differences in aerodynamic characteristics for yaw angle from natural wind during North American Highway mode driving. A previous study [1] clarified the potential to estimate the fuel consumption impact of natural wind by integrating the drag coefficient yaw characteristics and yaw angle occurrence probability. The natural wind was measured on a vehicle while driving a representative North American Highway test course [2]. Driving energy is predicted from the obtained yaw probability and the drag coefficient yaw sweep data in a wind tunnel. Measurements were conducted every weekday for 8 hours in 2023, covering 70% of the traffic volume. The validity of the measurement period was evaluated by the deviation from the annual average of wind direction and speed. Since yaw probability varies depending on the road environment, it is necessary to weigh the road environment type probability when calculating the driving energy. The

Onishi, Yasuyuki, Nucera, Fortunato, Nichols, Larry, Metka, Matt

BEV Incremental CO ₂ Emissions in a Ranked Order Electric Grid

2026-01-0424

4/7/2026

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) have been sold as ‘Zero Emissions Vehicles’ (ZEV) by governments to reduce transportation CO2. While they are not ZEV because they run on grid electricity, they could be ‘effectively ZEV’ if the incremental CO2 is ‘very small’. At the national level, this is estimated using following metrics: (1) Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) fuel consumption, from the total US gasoline consumption divided by the total fleet miles driven, 25 mpg or 350 g CO2/mi, (2) Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) about one third less, 240 g CO2/mi. (3) BEV energy consumption, using data from systematic on-road testing of a wide range of vehicles, estimated at 40 kWh/100 mi for a US sales mix. (4) Electricity marginal CO2: in a ranked order grid, zero-CO2 sources are prioritized and supplemented by fossil sources. IEA hourly data show that the US 48 contiguous states are self-contained, with zero-CO2 sources providing a third of total demand. The response to hourly

Phlips, Patrick

Dynamic Programming–Based Fuel-Saving Predictive Cruise Control

12-09-03-0022

4/2/2026

This article investigates the optimization problem of fuel economy for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. A Dynamic Programming–Based Fuel-Saving Predictive Cruise Control (DP-FSPCC) method is proposed, which is based on the Bellman optimality principle and uses the cost function to evaluate the optimal feedback control gain, thereby improving the fuel economy of heavy-duty commercial vehicles on complex roads with varying slopes. To address the issues of low accuracy in road feature representation and poor adaptability to different driving conditions in existing slope reconstruction algorithms, the road ahead is dynamically segmented for high-precision processing by integrating ADASIS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Interface Specifications) map information with significant turning point detection and dynamic sensitivity analysis. An engine fuel consumption mapping model based on local gradient information is established to provide an accurate cost function for dynamic programming

Jin, Dapeng, Shuai, Yue, Wu, Xin, Jia, Tong, Qiao, Zhiyuan, Chang, Shiwei, Mu, Tong

Development and Testing of a Concentric Tube Camshaft for Continuous Adjustment of Intake Valve Duration and Timing in Otto and Miller Cycle Operations

03-19-02-0010

4/1/2026

The development of technologies capable of expanding the operational flexibility of internal combustion engines—particularly through advanced valve actuation strategies—has become essential for improving energy efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. This work presents the design, manufacturing, and experimental evaluation of a novel, mechanically simple, and low-cost valve control system intended for spark-ignition engines originally designed to operate under the Otto cycle. The proposed innovation, designated VVT-D (Variable Valve Timing—Duration), introduces continuous and independent control of intake valve opening duration using a concentric tube camshaft architecture. Unlike conventional variable valve timing systems limited to phase control, the VVT-D concept enables continuous transition between Otto- and Miller-equivalent operating conditions by modulating intake valve duration as a function of engine load. This approach allows engine load control via Late Intake Valve

Alvares, Gabriel Coelho Rodrigues, Woiski, Emanuel Rocha, dos Santos, Paulo Sergio Barbosa, Kashani, Masoud Ghanbari, Gasche, José Luiz

Integrating Anti-Idle Power Systems into Military Tactical Vehicles: Use Case Development and Analysis

2026-01-5020

3/11/2026

Military tactical vehicles are increasingly incorporating anti-idle kits as a method to reduce fuel consumption. The larger battery pack associated with the anti-idle kit has the potential to provide new capabilities to the warfighter, who can use the battery pack to power pieces of equipment. This study analyzes a set of these new capabilities derived from the U.S. Army Universal Task List, supplemented with user interviews and doctrinal analysis. These capabilities include powering dismounted soldier systems, counter-drone and surveillance equipment, mobile refrigeration for medical applications, field maintenance tools, and mobile food services. The study then uses geolocation data collected from the U.S. Army’s National Training Center to model daily fuel consumption for soldiers performing each of these activities. The model was subsequently adapted to incorporate an anti-idle kit, revealing significant reductions in fuel usage. The analysis uses the results to define common

Lusian, Trevonte, Mummert, Taige, Kaiser, Caleb, Greer, Michael, Black, Nathaniel, Ong, Bennett, Tapahonso, Eugene, Mittal, Vikram

Optimization of Combustion Stability and Fuel Economy for Dedicated Hybrid Engines with High Exhaust Gas Recirculation Rate

03-19-02-0008

2/26/2026

In recent years, the rapid growth of hybrid vehicles has driven the development of dedicated hybrid engines (DHEs) as a key powertrain technology for achieving high thermal efficiency and low emissions. Driven by stringent emissions regulations and demand for improved fuel economy, enhancing thermal efficiency in gasoline engines remains a critical industry challenge. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology dilutes oxygen in the intake charge, suppresses knock, and optimizes combustion phasing. However, excessive EGR rates compromise combustion stability by inducing elevated cyclic variability and potential misfire, posing challenges in maintaining stable combustion and improving fuel efficiency at high EGR levels. Thus, combustion stability and fuel efficiency optimization in Geely’s DHEs under high EGR conditions was investigated in this article. In this study, a high tumble combustion system was designed to enhance charge motion and promote stable flame propagation. Furthermore

Li, Qiang, Deng, Xiaorong, Ren, Siming, Zhang, Peiyi, Zhu, Yunfeng, Li, Hongzhou, Yan, Pingtao, Gu, Xiangsheng

CFD Simulation of Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Pure Spirulina Microalgae Biodiesel in a Single-Cylinder DI Diesel Engine

2026-28-0043

2/12/2026

In this study, the combustion and emission characteristics of a single-cylinder direct injection (DI) diesel engine fueled with Spirulina biodiesel along with diesel blends were examined using a combined CFD and thermodynamic simulation framework. Three test fuels, including pure diesel (D100), Spirulina biodiesel blends (B20 and B40), and pure Spirulina biodiesel (B100), were analysed at 1500 rpm under full load. In the first stage, CFD simulations were performed in ANSYS Fluent, where the Discrete Phase Model (DPM) was applied to capture spray atomization and droplet evaporation, while a non-premixed combustion model coupled with the RNG k-ε turbulence model was employed to resolve in-cylinder flow and heat release dynamics. Subsequently, the Diesel-RK software was utilised to predict engine performance and exhaust emissions based on compression ratios (18.5) and injection timings. Results from the CFD analysis revealed faster atomization and reduced ignition delay for biodiesel

Kumar, B Varun

Intelligent Steering System to Improve Fuel Efficiency in Heavy Duty Vehicles

2026-28-0103

2/12/2026

In commercial vehicles, conventional engine-driven hydraulic steering systems result in continuous energy consumption, contributing to parasitic losses and reduced overall powertrain efficiency. This study introduces an Electric Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) system that decouples steering actuation from the engine and operates only on demand, thereby optimizing energy usage. Field trials conducted under loaded conditions demonstrated a 3–6% improvement in fuel economy, confirming the system’s effectiveness in real-world applications. A MATLAB-based simulation model was developed to replicate dynamic steering loads and vehicle operating conditions, with results closely aligning with field data, thereby validating the model’s predictive accuracy. The reduction in fuel consumption directly translates to lower CO₂ emissions, supporting regulatory compliance and sustainability goals, particularly in the context of tightening emission norms for commercial fleets. These findings position

T, Aravind Muthu Suthan, Mani, Kishore, Ayyappan, Rakshna, D, Senthil Kumar, S, Mathankumar

Enhancing Combustion, Performance and Emission Profiles Using Kapok Methyl Ester Blends with Hydrogen

2026-28-0058

2/12/2026

This study investigates the potential of using a dual green alternative fuel combination, the one is hydrogen fuel and another one is biodiesel for enhancing the Performance, combustion and emission profile of a compression ignition engine. The kapok oil biodiesel was blended with Diesel in proportions of 20% (K20) and 40% (K40) by volume. The hydrogen gas was supplied at a constant flow of 4 liter per minute (LPM). The experimental fuels are neat diesel D100, K20 (80% Diesel and 20 % kapok methyl ester), K40 (60% Diesel + 40 % Kapok methyl ester), K20 + H4L (K20 with 4 LPM hydrogen) and K40+H4L (K40 with 4 LPM hydrogen). These test blends are investigated in a single cylinder direct injection CI engine under 0% to 100% load conditions at a fixed speed of 1500 rpm combustion, and emissions characteristic were evaluated and compared with base fuel. The outcomes indicated that the use of B20 and B40 blends without hydrogen led to reduced BTE because of their lower cetane number and

Anbarasan, B, M, Kumaresan, Balamurugan, S, Rajesh, Munnusamy

TwinAV: Valve Timing Strategy for Divided Exhaust Periods in Turbocharged Spark-Ignition Engines: A Simulation-Based Evaluation

03-19-01-0002

2/6/2026

Turbocharging is a common and simple method to utilize the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. However, conventional turbocharging exhibits the drawback of exhaust gas backpressure and thus increased residual gas mass in the cylinder. A promising concept to increase optimum efficiency is found in the TwinAV concept, which assigns divided exhaust valve cam timing and exhaust manifold configuration. This concept is hypothesized to reduce the static backpressure in the gas exchange loop and the residual exhaust gas amount in the gas exchange phase. In this article, a 1D simulation model was adapted to an existing 4-cylinder gasoline TC engine. Subsequently, the engine concept was applied to this engine model, whereas the focus was to achieve an engine layout for the entire engine speed range applicable for use in passenger vehicles. The results were compared at the full RPM range. Also, a load variation was conducted and benchmarked. The found results show an additional

Gotter, Andreas, Gotter, Alexander

Thermal Management and Engine Calibration Strategies for Enhanced Passive DPF Regeneration in CEV Stage V CI Engines

2026-26-0141

1/16/2026

Meeting the stringent emissions norms of CEV stage V for medium BMEP engines, CI engines present significant challenges. These stringent norms call for a highly efficient DPF. With the increasing demands for high-performance DPFs, the issue of soot accumulation and cleaning presents significant hurdles for DPF longevity. This paper explores the potential of passive DPF regeneration, which leverages naturally occurring exhaust gas conditions to oxidize accumulated soot, offering a promising approach to minimize fuel penalty and system complexity compared to active regeneration methods. The study investigates engine calibration techniques aimed at enhancing passive regeneration performance, emphasizing the optimization of thermal management strategies to sustain DPF temperatures within the passive regeneration range. Furthermore, the paper aims to expand the applicability of passive regeneration across diverse engine loads common in off-highway applications with effective passive

Saxena, Harshit, Gandhi, Naresh, Lokare, Prasad, Shinde, Prashant, Patil, Ajit, Raut, Ashish

Identification of Productive and Non-Productive Activities in Agricultural Machinery Using ECU and GPS Parameters through Machine Learning

2026-26-0102

1/16/2026

Any agricultural operation (such as cultivation, rotavation, ploughing, and harrowing) includes both productive and non-productive activities (like transportation, stops, and idling) in the field. Non-productive work can mislead the actual load profile, fuel consumption, and emissions. In this project, a machine learning-based methodology has been developed to differentiate between effective operations and non-productive activities, utilizing data collected in the field from data loggers installed on the machinery. Measurements were conducted on various machines across the country in all major applications to minimize the influence of any individual sample deviation and to account for variability in customer operating practices. Few critical parameters such as Engine Speed, Exhaust Gas Temperature, Actual Engine Percentage Torque, GPS Speed etc.) were selected after screening and analyzing more than 100 CAN and GPS parameters. The critical parameters were subsequently integrated with

Maharana, Devi prasad, Gangsar, Purushottam, gokhale, Varun, Pandey, Anand Kumar

Optimization of a Positive Displacement Type Supercharger Using Response Surface Modeling (RSM)

2026-26-0429

1/16/2026

Air suction in a naturally aspirated engine is a crucial influencing parameter to dictate the specific fuel consumption and emissions. For a multi-cylinder engine, a turbocharger can well address this issue. However, due to the lack of availability of continuous exhaust energy pulses, in a single or two-cylinder engine, the usage of turbocharger is not recommended. A supercharger solution comes handy in this regard for a single or two-cylinder engine. In this exercise, we explore the possibility of the usage of a positive displacement type supercharger, to enhance the air flow rate of a single cylinder, naturally aspirated, diesel engine for genset application, operating at 1500 rpm. The supercharger parametric 3D CAD model has been prepared in Creo, with three design parameters i.e. (a) Generating radius, (b) depth of blower and (c) clearance between lobes & lobe and casing. The optimum roots blower design is expected to fulfil the target boost pressure, power consumption and

Satre, Santosh Dadasaheb, Mukherjee, Nalini, Rajput, Surendra, Nene, Devendra

Hybrid Topology Selection & Optimization of a Compact SUV to Meet Future CO ₂ Norms – an Indian Case Study

2026-26-0077

1/16/2026

Rising environmental concerns and stringent emissions norms are pushing automakers to adopt more sustainable technologies. There is no single perfect solution for any market and there are solutions ranging from biofuels, green hydrogen to electric vehicles. For Indian market, especially in the passenger car segment, hybrid vehicles are favoured when it comes to manufacturers as well as with consumer because of multiple reasons such as reliability, performance, fuel efficiency and lower long-term cost of ownership. For automakers planning to upgrade their fleets in the context of upcoming CAFE III (91.7 g CO2 / km) & CAFE IV (70 g CO2/km) norms, hybridization emerges as the next natural step for passenger cars. Lately, various state governments have also promoted hybrid vehicle sales by offering certain targeted tax breaks which were previously reserved for EVs exclusively. Current study focuses on various parallel hybrid topologies for an Indian compact SUV, which is the highest

Warkhede, Pawan, Keizer, Ruben, Sandhu, Rouble, Emran, Ashraf

The Aerodynamic Development of a Compact SUV for FE Improvement Compliance with CAFE Norms

2026-26-0595

1/16/2026

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a compact SUV, the first-generation of which was introduced in 2018. This paper explores some of the challenges entailed in developing the subsequent generation of this successful product, maintaining exterior design cues while at the same time improving its aerodynamic efficiency. A development approach is outlined that made use of both CFD simulation and Coastdown testing at MSPT (Mahindra SUV proving track). Drag coefficient improvement of 40 counts (1 count = 0.001 Cd) can be obtained for the best vehicle exterior configuration by paying particular attention to: AGS development to limit the drag due to cooling airflow into the engine compartment Front wheel deflector optimization Mid underbody cover development (beside the LH & RH side skirting) Wheel Rim optimization In this paper we have analyzed the impact of these design changes on the aerodynamic flow field, Pressure plots and consequently drag development over the vehicle length is highlighted. An

Vihan, Nikhil

Effect of E20 Fuel on Vehicle Performance Parameters of 694CC Gasoline Engine for Commercial Vehicle Application

2026-26-0565

1/16/2026

In alignment with its carbon reduction commitments, India is transitioning towards higher ethanol-blended fuels, with E20 set for nationwide implementation by 2025. Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced biofuel produced through fermentation of biomass such as sugarcane, corn. It possesses a higher octane rating and oxygen content compared to conventional gasoline, making it a favorable additive for improving engine performance and reducing emissions. This study investigates the impact of E20 fuel on performance parameters of a 694 cc MPFI , water-cooled, twin-cylinder gasoline engine. For deriving maximum benefits of increased Octane rating of E20, compression ratio was increased to 12.5:1. Experimental analysis was conducted to assess the changes in combustion behavior, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), torque output, engine out emissions and thermal efficiency when operating on E20 compared to baseline gasoline (E10). Base results indicate that E20 promotes more

Kulkarni, Deepak, Malekar, Hemant A, Thonge, Ravindra, Kanchan, Shubham

A Comparative Analysis of Passenger Car Fuel Economy between Laboratory and Real Driving Testing

2026-26-0225

1/16/2026

In India, fuel economy is one of the most critical factors influencing a customer's decision to own a passenger car. Beyond consumer preference, fuel consumption also plays a significant role in the nation's energy security. In line with this, the government promotes fuel-efficient vehicles and technologies through various regulations, policies, and mandates. Vehicle manufacturers, in response, focus on designing vehicles that align with both customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Fuel economy certification is typically based on standardized laboratory tests that simulate controlled environmental conditions, driving cycle (MIDC), vehicle load, and operation of electrical and electronic systems. However, actual on-road driving conditions by end user vary significantly due to factors such as traffic conditions, ambient temperature, air conditioning use, driving behavior and variable loading of the vehicle. With implementation of Bharat Stage VI, Real Driving Emission (RDE

Singh, Abhay Pratap, Bathina, Revanth Kumar, Tijare, Shantanu

Integrating V2V and V2I Communication for Enhanced Traffic Safety and Efficiency in Connected Vehicular Networks

2026-26-0271

1/16/2026

This paper is a new approach to improve road safety and traffic flow by combining vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications. The Study is focused on a system that connects vehicles with each other and with traffic light to share real-time data about speed and position. This work is aimed to discuss the methodology adopted for developing a system which predicts and advises the optimal speed for vehicles approaching an intersection. Inspired by the Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) , the proposed system is designed to help drivers approach traffic signals at speeds that minimize unnecessary stops, reduce delays, and improve traffic efficiency. This paper contains the approach taken, the decision-making algorithm, and the simulation framework built in MATLAB/Simulink to validate the concept under real traffic conditions. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate how the system generates speed recommendations based on vehicle parameters

Pinto, Colin Aubrey, Shah, Ravindra, Karle, Ujjwala

Waste Heat Recovery Evaluation in FCEV Truck on Different Drive-Cycles

2026-26-0259

1/16/2026

Growing global warming and the associated climate change have expedited the need for adoption of carbon-neutral technologies. The transportation sector accounts for ~ 25 % of total carbon emissions. Hydrogen (H2) is widely explored as an alternative for decarbonizing the transport sector. The application of H2 through PEM Fuel Cells is one of the available technologies for the trucking industry, due to their relatively higher efficiency (~50%) and power density. However, at present the cost of an FCEV truck is considerably higher than its diesel equivalent. Hence, new technologies either enabling cost reduction or efficiency improvement for FCEVs are imperative for their widespread adoption. FCEVs have a system efficiency around 40-60% implying that around half of the input energy is lost to the environment as waste heat. However, recapturing this significant amount of waste heat into useful work is a challenge. This paper discusses the feasibility of waste heat recovery (WHR

P V, Navaneeth

For CNG and FFV Fuel Application Exhaust Valve Redesign and Robustness Improvement to Combat Abnormal Valve Guide and Seat Wear

2026-26-0125

1/16/2026

Today, passenger car makers around the world are striving to meet the increasing demand for fuel economy, high performance, and silent engines. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations implemented in India to improve the fuel efficiency of a manufacturer's fleet of vehicles. CAFE goal is to reduce fuel consumption and, by extension, the emissions that contribute to climate change. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) engines offer several advantages that help manufacturers meet and exceed these standards. The demand for CNG vehicles has surged exponentially in recent years, CNG engine better Fuel efficiency and advantage in CAFÉ norms make good case for OEM & Customer to use more CNG vehicle. CNG is dry fuel compared to gasoline. These dry fuels lack lubricating properties, unlike conventional fuels like petrol, diesel and biofuels, which are wet and liquid. Consequently, the operations and failures associated with these fuels differ. The materials and designs of engine parts, such as

Poonia, Sanjay, Kumar, Chandan, Sharma, Shailender, Khan, Prasenjit, Bhat, Anoop, P, Prasath, Neb, Ashish

Replacing Diesel Engines with CNG Engines – Impact on Emissions, Based on Chassis Dynamometer Tests of Medium and Heavy-Duty Buses

2026-26-0127

1/16/2026

This paper compares carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and oxides of nitrogen emissions from medium and heavy-duty buses using diesel, diesel-hybrid, and CNG powertrains. Comparisons are made using results from chassis dynamometer-based tests with driving cycles intended to simulate a wide range of operating conditions. Tail pipe emissions are measured by diluting the vehicle’s exhaust in a full-scale dilution tunnel by mixing with conditioned air. Samples are drawn through probes of raw exhaust, diluted exhaust and measured using laboratory grade emission analyzers. Fuel consumption of diesel is measured using a weighing scale, while a gas flow meter is used for measuring CNG consumption. Experimental data from 19 buses tested on a chassis dynamometer over the last 8 years has been analyzed and a comparison of results from similar buses with the differently fueled powertrains is presented. Based on these test results, it is shown that replacing diesel engines with CNG engines

Iyer, Suresh

Development of Flex Fuel Engine for Indian Market

2026-26-0117

1/16/2026

This paper presents the methodology and outcomes of modifying a 1.2L naturally aspirated (NA) engine to enable flex-fuel compatibility, targeting optimal performance with ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E100. Ethanol is being increasingly promoted due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide an additional source of income for farmers. As per the road map for Ethanol blending released by Govt. of India, there has been continuous increase in blending of ethanol in gasoline. An initial target of 20% ethanol blending in gasoline by April 2025 has already been achieved. This work is in alignment with the broader push for development of flex-fuel vehicles, which necessitates engine adaptations capable of operating on varying ethanol blends. The primary objective was to upgrade the engine, which can give optimum performance with both lower range of ethanol blends starting from E20 as per IS 17021:2018 standard till higher blends of up to E100 as per IS 17821:2022

Tyagarajan, Sethuramalingam, Pise, Chetan, Kavekar, Pratap, Agarwal, Nishant Kumar

Key Parameters for Turbocharger Selection & Experimental Validation for off-Highway Applications

2026-26-0104

1/16/2026

Customers in off-highway industry are increasingly seeking high-performance capabilities for their tractors due to increasing penetration of mechanisation and labour scarcity. One effective solution to achieve enhanced performance is turbocharging of engines, while meeting emission and highly dynamic transient response of tractor field applications. The process of selecting and validating a suitable turbocharger for tractor field application suitability is significantly time and resources consuming activity due to extensive testbed and field trials. This study focuses on the selection of turbocharger for tractor engines through analytical calculations to freeze key parameters like lambda, boost pressure ratio & temperature within boundaries of exhaust temperature and turbo efficiency maps to deliver best field transient performance and fuel consumption. The selected parameters are further validated under real-world transient operating conditions, involving tractors and their implements

Kumar, Harish Kumar, Rawat, Saurabh, Dogra, DaljitSingh, Singh, Sachleen, Singh, Amarinder

Development of a Graphic Interface to Evaluate the Performance of a Hydrogen-Fueled Spark Ignition Engine

2025-36-0165

12/18/2025

In recent decades, interest in alternative fuels has grown exponentially. Hydrogen has been researched as total or partial substitutes for gasoline in light vehicles, showing great potential. However, this fuel has unique characteristics and properties that can bring improvements or limitations in engine performance. Therefore, a quick analysis of the pressure and HRR curve can highlight changes in combustion and performance. To this end, the aim of this work is to develop a visual interface generated by MATLAB capable of showing the performance parameters of a spark ignition engine when using hydrogen as fuel, initially. This graphic interface is supported with a zero-dimensional model based on the Wiebe function and Woschni correlation to estimating the pressure and HRR values. The interface is designed to receive operating conditions and geometry of the engine, as well as combustion angles. From the information entered, it is possible to visualize mass fraction burned, heat transfer

Rincon, Alvaro Ferney Algarra, Alvarez, Carlos Eduardo Castilla, Oliveira Notório Ribeiro, Jéssica

Combustion Chamber Geometry Comparison in Natural Gas Engines under Conventional and Dethrottled Operation

2025-36-0217

12/18/2025

Growing interest in cleaner energy has spurred progress in engine technology, focusing on greater efficiency and lower emissions. Methane-based fuels, like compressed natural gas (CNG), have become an alternative for spark-ignition engines, especially in Brazil. Among performance strategies, dethrottled operation stands out by reducing intake restrictions and minimizing pumping losses, a major inefficiency in conventional spark ignition engines. This improves thermal efficiency and reduces both fuel consumption and emissions. This study experimentally examines the performance and combustion of a CNG-powered Hyundai HR 2.5 16V engine, converted from diesel to spark ignition with natural gas, comparing factory (omega) and custom (reentrant) piston geometries under both conventional and dethrottled modes. The research evaluates how piston design affects combustion stability, efficiency, and emissions across different load strategies. Tests were conducted at 7, 8, and 9 bar loads, as well

Silva, Cristian Douglas Rosa da, Garlet, Roberto Antonio, Dapper, Jackson Mayer, Fagundez, Jean Lucca Souza, Lanzanova, Thompson Diórdinis Metzka, Martins, Mario Eduardo Santos

Control Strategies for a Hybrid Electric-Combustion Powertrain Applied to a Test Bench

2025-36-0246

12/18/2025

This paper presents the design and implementation of a test bench intended for the development and validation of control strategies applied to a hybrid-electric powertrain. The setup combines a 48 V SEG BRM electric machine with a small-displacement internal combustion engine (ICE), the HONDA GX160, operating in a parallel hybrid configuration. The platform was developed to improve energy efficiency in comparison to a conventional ICE-only system. Modifications were carried out on an existing test bench at Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia, including the fabrication of a new enclosure for the battery pack and its battery management system (BMS), as well as the integration of a Vector VN8911 real-time controller. A custom control strategy was implemented and experimentally evaluated using a predefined drive cycle under two conditions: (I) ICE-only operation and (II) hybrid-electric operation with the proposed strategy. Results showed a fuel consumption reduction of approximately 13% with the

Polizio, Yuri, Zabeu, Clayton, Pasquale, Gian, Pinheiro, Giovana, Vieira, Renato

Optimization of Biogas Combustion in SI Engines Applied to the Pre-Chamber Ignition System

2025-36-0209

12/18/2025

The diversification of the energy matrix, combined with the use of renewable and less polluting fuels in internal combustion engines, has encouraged numerous research efforts both nationally and internationally. In this context, the utilization of waste for biofuel production stands out as a promising alternative, offering a clean and economically viable energy source. Biogas is one of the most sustainable options and has been widely used in the industry. However, it presents low lower heating values (LHV) and difficulties in burning stoichiometric mixtures, which compromise engine performance, resulting in higher specific fuel consumption and lower power output compared to fossil fuels. To address this challenge, this study aimed to improve biogas combustion in internal combustion engines by investigating the application of a new pre-chamber ignition system in the combustion process and engine performance parameters. For this, experimental tests were conducted with two biofuel

Siqueira, Caio Henrique Moreira, Ázara, Luiz Eduardo Martins, Ribeiro, José Vitor Puttini, Soares, Gabriel Faria, Silva, Fábio Moreira, Alvarez, Carlos Eduardo Castilla

Gear Ratio Variation Concept Influence on Energy Efficiency Optimization of Light Vehicles

2025-36-0104

12/18/2025

The growing concern regarding global warming pushes the contribution of all emitting sources to mitigate greenhouse gases. The significant light passenger vehicle fleet deserves continued attention, both in the implementation of more efficient new technologies and in the optimization of conventional technologies, which are still widely used. The vehicle’s energy efficiency is directly influenced by the coupling of the internal combustion engine to the transmission system. Engines have a restricted operation region of maximum efficiency that must be adequately explored by the transmission system in the different conditions of vehicle use. Thus, this paper analyzes and quantifies the sensitivity of the vehicle’s energy efficiency of two distinct engine technologies, naturally aspirated and turbocharged, coupled to an automatic transmission system with six discrete or continuously variable gears. Experimental data on the overall efficiency of the engines and the transmission concepts

Rovai, Fernando Fusco, Menezes Lourenço, Maria Augusta de, Rohrig, Marcelo

Transport Alternative for Harvested Sugarcane with 50% Reduction in Fuel Consumption (Diesel)

2025-36-0076

12/18/2025

Agrícola Cana Caiana and Grunner have developed an innovative vehicle for sugarcane harvesting, focused on reducing fuel consumption. This optimization is vital and relevant for similar operations in the largest global producers: Brazil (724 mi t - 37%), India (439 mi t - 22%), China (103 mi t - 5.3%), Thailand (92 mi t - 4.7%), Pakistan (88 mi t - 4.5%), Mexico (55 mi t - 2.8%), Colombia (35 mi t - 1.8%), Indonesia (32 mi t - 1.6%), USA (31 mi t - 1.6%), and Australia (28 mi t - 1.4%). In Brazil, São Paulo leads with 383.4 mi t (54.1% of the 23/24 harvest), followed by Minas Gerais (81.3 mi t). This innovative agricultural machinery, a result of the owners' experience, has already sold over a thousand units, proving its impact on the efficiency of the sugar-alcohol sector. The Belei family's expertise generated this solution that optimizes resources and increases harvesting productivity, with the potential to advance sustainability and profitability globally, driving agricultural

Ferreira, Antonio Eustáquio Sirolli

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