Institution news
With this in mind, the Institution’s "Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport" conference in Birmingham once again brings together the international community of specialist engineers working in this field to share their recent studies and technical developments.
Ahead of the conference, we spoke with speaker Ben Waters, who will be contributing to the conference agenda with his session “Combustion System Development of the Second Generation "New Engine" Family for the Chinese Market”.
Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to engines and/or powertrain systems.
Ben Waters (BW): I am the performance and combustion system lead at Changan UK’s research and development centre. In this role I have responsibility for developing Changan’s new combustion systems from scheming all the way into testing. I am also responsible for the performance and emissions characteristics of Changan’s new engines. I lead a small but diverse team to achieve this work who cover engine dyno testing, 1-D CAE simulation and aftertreatment development.
Q: What are the main engineering challenges facing the industry at the moment?
BW: There are numerous engineering challenges from the drive to lower CO2 emissions, RDE compliance and the competition from electric powertrains. For an engineer in the powertrain field I feel this is a very exciting time due to the new technical possibilities additional electrification offers.
Q: What key topics are you excited to discuss?
BW: Developments towards RDE compliance. The move from looking at an engine as a stand-alone unit to thinking about the engine fully integrated into a powertrain system.
Q: What are the most common gripes you hear from your colleagues?
BW: Opportunities for base engine development are somewhat diminishing.
Q: Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
BW: The Ricardo and MAHLE Powertrain presentations on hybrid powertrain development.
Q: What developments are you most interested in for the future and why?
BW: Developing future powertrains to meet the optimum needs for different markets. The additional potential enabled through hybridisation and electrification gives some interesting technical possibilities.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
BW: To understand the latest research/development activity going on at both OEMs and universities.
Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport takes place 11-12 December 2019 in Birmingham.
The latest in the Institution’s series of conferences on engine and powertrain technologies, the December conference will bring together engineers from industry and academia across the world to share the latest technologies, research and industry trends.
Join to hear how your peers across the world are developing innovative solutions to improve powertrain efficiency while meeting future emissions requirements. Contributing organisations on this year’s agenda include:
- Ford
- JCB
- MAHLE Powertrain
- Ricardo
- HORIBA MIRA
- Concawe
- Aramco
- HIS Markit
- University of Brighton
- Brunel University and many more.
For full event details and to book your place, please visit the event website at www.imeche.org/icengines.