The lean boost systems - a step change in gasoline CO_2 emissions

摘要

Reduction of vehicle CO_2 emissions is one of the great challenges facing the automotive industry. This paper presents methods for improving vehicle fuel economy, and addresses vehicle characteristics, transmission and engine. A novel gasoline engine concept, The Lean Boost System is introduced. The system combines direct injection, lean operation and pressure charging, and allows significant reduction of swept volume, or 'downsizing'. The ongoing programme to develop the system is described, which has included engine testing, modelling, and vehicle simulation. The Lean boost System offers the potential of comparable CO_2 emissions to the HSDI diesel engine, and can therefore contribute significantly towards achieving future CO_2 targets.