Full Title: Advanced Combustion Engine R&D: Goals, Strategies, and Top Accomplishments
Author(s): U.S. Department of Energy
Publisher(s): U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date: March 1, 2009
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Description (excerpt):
Although internal combustion engines have been used for more than a century, significant improvements in energy efficiency and emissions reduction are still possible. In fact, boosting the efficiency of internal combustion engines is one of the most promising and cost-effective approaches to increasing vehicle fuel economy over the next 30 years. The United States can cut its transportation fuel use 20%–40% through commercialization of advanced engines—resulting in greater economic, environmental, and energy security. Using these engines in hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will enable even greater fuel savings benefits.
The Advanced Combustion Engine R&D subprogram of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program (VTP) is improving the fuel economy of passenger vehicles (cars and light trucks) and commercial vehicles (medium-duty and commercial trucks) by increasing the efficiency of the engines that power them. The subprogram’s goals, strategies, and some of its major accomplishments are described below.