UI Combustion Engine Research

UI Combustion Research Group
The Combustion Engine Group has locations in Moscow (under the direction of Steven Beyerlein) and Boise (under the direction of Judi Steciak). This research group has received funding from the Department of Defense, the National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology, the Department of Transportation, and the Idaho State Board of Education. The primary research topic is combustion of alternative fuels not previously used in reciprocating IC engines, like water-ethanol blends and JP-8. Historically the group as worked closely with Automotive Resources Inc. in Sandpoint, ID in developing a new ignition source that makes combustion of these fuels possible.  Facilities include a small engine test lab (in Moscow) and a Combustion Diagnostics Lab (in Boise).

Clean Snowmobile
The Clean Snowmobile Challenge is a student competition run by SAE. Students re-engineer snowmobiles to comply with ever increasing restrictions on emissions and noise pollution. The team has won 1st place overall numerous times and regularly wins awards in design, fuel economy, hill climb, emissions, and endurance events.  Under the direction of Karen Den Braven, this group has been adapting new technology of direct injection and turbocharging as a means to create a clean, light-weight, 2-stroke platform.

Hybrid Formula Car
We are currently engaged in a multi-year development cycle to create a viable hybrid powertrain (with matched IC engine, motor/generator, and transmission components) and vehicle integration for the 2011 Hybrid FSAE competition.  The 2012 effort focused on IC engine repackaging, electric motor integration, Lithion Ion batteries,  suspension tuning, vehicle safety, vehicle aesthetics, and vehicle testing.  The UI team was one of only a few to complete all the technical inspections and compete in various driving events.  The team's design was also ranked 5th out of 28 teams.