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Facilities in the Thermal Propulsion Systems Group, Department of Engineering Science University of Oxford - Engine test Cells

Engine test cells

The core activities of the TPSRG focus on fundamental and early-stage applied research (Technology Readiness Levels 1-3) ranging from preliminary ideas and basic principles through to early proof of concept studies. We have three engine cells specifically designed and instrumented to support these early stage research activities.

  • Single cylinder thermodynamic engine test cell
  • Single cylinder GDI optical engine test cell 1
  • Single cylinder GDI optical engine test cell 2
Students in a lab wearing protective hearing and safety glasses

Single cylinder thermodynamic engine test cell

Our single cylinder thermodynamic engine test cell, built and commissioned in 2014, was developed in collaboration with engineers from the powertrain research team at Jaguar Land Rover, to provide the highest possible data quality for engine developement and, particularly, model validation.

  • 57 kW VASCAT AC dynamometer
  • Full independent control of oil, coolant, and intake air flows and temperatures (heating and cooling)
  • Stand-alone boost system (up to 7 bar max)
  • Simultaneous gravimetric and coriolis fuel flow measurement
  • AVL X-ion data acquistion
  • Horiba Mexa-One, Cambustion HFR400 fFID & CLD500 fNOx
  • AVL 415s Smoke meter & Cambustion DMS 500 particulate analyzer

 

Researcher working on equipment in lab

Optical engine test cells

The TPSRG has two dedicated single-cylinder optical engine test cells.

Test cell 1:

  • 0.5 litre JLR 'Ingenium' GDI spark-ignition optical engine
  • Pentroof access
  • Shaped and flat optical pistons
  • Full optical, short annulus, 'windowed' metal and full metal liner options
  • Variable valve control 

Test cell 2:

  • 0.5 litre GDI spark-ignition optical engine
  • Shaped and flat optical pistons
  • Full optical, short annulus, 'windowed' metal and full metal liner options