New Car Technologies and Design

At the level of Internal Combustion Engines and Vehicle Systems and Components.

In theoretical and theoretical-practical classes, a theoretical and theoretical-practical exposition of each of the curricular contents is made.
In theoretical-practical classes, the analysis of themes and contents chosen by the students and the elaboration of works / reports are also carried out.
In the practical-laboratory component, laboratory analyzes are performed to illustrate practical applications and work / reports. Specialized practical work may also be developed.

» To identify and to analyze the exhaust gas constituents of thermal engines;
» To know the theoretical and practical aspects of technological solutions and equipment aimed at reducing the formation of polluting emissions;
» To know the European legislation with regard to pollution and its limits;
» To replace damaged components in anti-pollution systems.
» To identify and characterize emerging technologies in the automotive sector;
» To evaluate the different alternative fuel options;
» To relate design to vehicle performance, marketing and safety.

1-ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACT CONTROL
1.1-ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
Main polluting elements; Main environmental legislation and its evolution, within the automotive sector; Pollutant formation and control; Comparative analysis of different fuels; Periodic control of the efficiency of anti-pollution systems (IPO).
1.2-MITIGATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION AND FORMATION OF GASEOUS EFFLUENTS AND NOISE
Engine energy efficiency; Reduction of internal engine friction; Impacts of direct fuel injection technologies (Diesel and gasoline); EGR systems (single, electric, pneumatic, double); Variable distribution control / phase inverters; Synchronization of EGR systems with phase variators (Valvetrónic, VVTI and others); Impacts of supercharging and intermediate cooling systems (Intercooler); Collectors variable geometry. Technologies for the optimization of operating points.
1.3-SOLUTIONS FOR TREATING EXHAUST AND NOISE EMISSIONS.
Catalysts; Particulate filters; Selective Catalytic Reduction System (Adblue); Main exhaust gas control sensors (Lambda probe, NOx sensor, NH3 sensor, pressure differential sensor, temperature sensor); Noise control strategies.
2-NEW VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES
2-1-EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Materials and process technologies: emerging technologies and end-of-life treatment (recycling).
Product technologies: mechanical actuators versus electric actuators; active directions and suspensions; new driver assistance systems in the context of passive and active safety and comfort.
Technologies under optimization or under development: Stirling engines; Gas engines and turbines; Turbofan engines; Hydrogen engines; HCCI engines; Compressed air engines; Engines with pneumatic valves; Variable compression engines; Split cycle engines; Engine anti-lag system turbo powered; Cylinder deactivation systems; High-performance lubricant technology and its impact in terms of internal friction of the engine and polluting emissions; Other new technologies.
Control and multimedia technologies: Motor control and control units. Information and communication technologies (OBD system; GPS system); Autonomous vehicles; Fault memory reading; Self – diagnosis and Flight Recorder; Workshop diagnostic equipment.
Autonomous vehicles: Applicable legislation; Chronological evolution of the Autonomous Vehicle concept; Framework of functions such as: RADAR (control of approaching objects, emergency braking), LDWS (Lane Involuntary Exit Alert), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), driving predictive, and others, at the various levels of autonomy.
2-2-HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES AND SPORTS VEHICLES
2.3-ENGINE DESIGN AND SIMULATION
Different engine architectures; Engine performance simulation software.
3- AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
Influence of aerodynamics on vehicle performance and design; Use of Design as a marketing tool; Influence of Design on road safety for pedestrians and passengers; Legislation that affects the way “designers” design vehicle exteriors. Eco design strategies used in the automotive industry and their implications for the environmental performance of vehicles.

NAO

» Diapositivos elaborados pelos docentes.
» Artigos e publicações divulgados na internet, referentes a novas tecnologias e design automóvel.
» Nabais, J. Sector dos Transportes – Uma perspectiva energética e ambiental, ETEP, 2005.
» Brito, F., Martins J. “Carros Elétricos”, Engebook, 2012.
» Automotive Research and Design. Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology, 2009.
» Pistoia, G. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Elsevier, 2010.
» Barnard, R.H., Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design – An Introduction, Longman, ISBN 0-582-24522-2.