Thermotech Engineering
Operating Division for Automotive Research
MISSION
Thermotech was formed to carry out research related to engine and fuel performance and combustion processes. Both theoretical and experimental research projects have been conducted.
CUSTOMERS
Successful projects have been recently completed on behalf of Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the U.S. Department of Energy, Megatech Electro (a Tier 1 supplier to Bombardier Canada), and General Motors Canada, and with the support or participation of Sunoco Inc., and Commercial Alcohols Inc.. Current customers include, Natural Resources Canada, National Renewable Energy Laboratory division of Midwest Research Institute (U.S.), and General Motors Canada (Oshawa).
RECOGNITION
The results of research projects conducted by Thermotech/Nexum staff have been published in numerous technical papers and presentations. Members have been invited to serve as consultants on several Canadian Government advisory committees related to combustion, fuels, engines and electro-optics, as well as participating in the technical activities of the International Energy Agency, NATO Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development (AGARD), and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
CAPACITY
In October 1991 Thermotech moved into a new three thousand square foot special purpose-built laboratory at 615 Norris Court in Kingston, Ontario. The laboratory is well equipped to conduct a wide variety of experimental programs. Automotive test facilities include both engine and chassis dynamometers, an engine cold test chamber, instrumentation and ultra-high speed data acquisition capabilities, and in-cylinder pressure measurement and cycle analysis capabilities. Past work has included single and multi-cylinder spark ignition engines, the properties and in-service performance of alternative fuels, safety and flammability aspects of fuels handling, exhaust emissions, fuel economy, radiative and convective heat transfer, fuel and induction system performance, gas turbine combustion and internal aerodynamics. Recent engine technology work includes development of advanced ignition system technology for alcohol and natural gas fuelled four-stroke engines and gasoline fuelled two-stroke engines, and the development of new combustion monitoring approaches for closed-loop lean limit control and misfire detection.