The future of the internal combustion engine: actual development tasks

Abstract

Introduction (statement of the problem and relevance). The forthcoming vehicle environmental regulations to be introduced in the European Union (EU) in 2025–2026 involve aggressive emission limit scenarios combined with new real-world test conditions. The new environmental concept sets ambitious goals in relation to the power line of traditional vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE), such as: the main source of energy for automotive technology; high efficiency (more than 50% efficiency); ultra-low fuel consumption and ultra-low emissions (CO2, NOx, PM).The purpose of the study was to analyze the prospective fuel efficiency and environmental safety requirements for wheeled vehicles to determine the main directions of internal combustion engines development to meet these requirements.Methodology and research methods. The analytical methods of research included: the analysis of the commercial engines market; the investigation of world projects to tighten the requirements for environmental safety of wheeled vehicles; the study of the main internal combustion engines development concepts. Results. The prospective requirements for internal combustion engines have been analyzed, and as result of it, the concept of ICE development, the promising internal combustion engine view and an exhaust gas after-treatment system (EGATS) were worked out.Practical significance. The results of the study can be used for determining the requirements and main directions of research and development work when creating the new generations of internal combustion engines.