The University of Brighton has teamed up with industry and academics in Russia, Italy and France in plans to conduct a £1.3 million research project into the production of more efficient fuels.
Research is to focus on microscopic fuel droplets as they reach combustion chambers. Current thinking is based upon the premise that microscopic fuel droplets are spherical as they reach combustion chambers. However, the new research has found that there are actually different shapes.
Scientists believe that developing an understanding the processes involved in affecting the shape of the droplets will lead towards cleaner and more efficient fuels.
The research, ‘Investigation of Non-Spherical Droplets in High-Pressure Fuel Sprays’ is due to begin this October and funding has come mainly from the government’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, with a financial and technical contribution from BP.
Principle Research Fellow in the university’s Centre for Automative Engineering, Dr Cyril Crua, has described the project as holding the potential for great benefits in the reduction of fuel consumption and the enhancement of engine efficiency.
A BP spokesman has expressed the companies delight to be a part of the project, outlining that BP look forward to seeing the results which will help the company to develop fuels for its customers in the future.
Adapted from press release by Emma McAleavey.