MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT opts for LMS simulation technology to develop its ground-breaking variable compression ratio (VCR) engine
8/4/2009 2:32:00 PM
Leuven, Belgium - LMS, the engineering innovation company, announced today that MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT has chosen LMS simulation technology to design its MCE-5 engine block prototype. MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT is a worldwide leader in variable compression ratio (VCR) technology, which reduces fuel consumption of gasoline engines while conforming to stringent emission standards and automotive market demands. The LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim solution helps MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT to create a detailed engine simulation model to better understand and optimize the hydraulic actuation system design, which controls the compression ratio.
The MCE-5 VCR engine block is intended to replace conventional engine blocks. The LMS Imagine.Lab simulation solution provides MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT with the necessary tools to rapidly model and analyze how design changes influence reliability, durability, and production costs. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of physical prototypes.
''Indeed, what is crucial for us is to identify and study a VCR mechanism that conforms to VCR engines' mass production requirements. LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim helps us clarify our project in terms of tangible costs and time saving,'' stated Mr. Vianney RABHI, Director of Strategy and Development at MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT.
MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT engineers particularly appreciate LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim because the one-dimensional simulation software is an easy-to-use tool that helps them optimize the model during the early design stages and assess a variety of subsystems in multiple physical domains. The flawless communication between component libraries and accurate modeling of physical phenomena makes it possible to design the MCE-5 VCR engine block and its related subsystems on a single platform.
''The LMS Imagine.Lab Internal Combustion Engine Related Hydraulics solution proved to be the best technical choice for MCE-5 because LMS has extensive experience in fluids as is obvious from its robust component libraries. The solution assists both expert and non-expert users in modeling fluids systems from the functional to the detailed model level,'' commented Mr. Yves MIEHE, thermo-dynamic simulation engineer at MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT.
About LMS:
LMS is an engineering innovation partner for companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. With approximately 30 years of experience, LMS helps customers get better products to market faster and turn superior process efficiency into key competitive advantages. With a unique combination of 1D and 3D simulation software, testing systems and engineering services, LMS tunes into mission critical engineering attributes, ranging from system dynamics, structural integrity and sound quality to durability, safety and power consumption. With multi-domain solutions for thermal, fluid dynamics, electrical and mechanical system behavior, LMS can address the complex engineering challenges associated with intelligent system design. Thanks to our technology and dedicated people, LMS has become the partner of choice of more than 5,000 manufacturing companies worldwide. LMS is certified to ISO9001:2000 quality standards and operates through a network of subsidiaries and representatives in key locations around the world.
About MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT:
Founded in 2000, MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT is based in Lyon, France, and is developing the MCE-5 variable compression ratio engine which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 45% or more. The MCE-5 engine provides a concrete technological and commercial response to the environmental, energy and economic challenges faced by the automotive industry. The MCE-5 engine combines the advantages of both Diesel and gasoline. MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT invested about 30 million Euros to develop the MCE-5 technology, which can be mass-produced as of 2016-2017 thanks to a consortium of 12 major internationally recognized European partners. The MCE-5 project is supported and financed by various French and European institutions. It is a successful example of public-private co-financing. Strongly backed by 257 French and foreign shareholders, almost one third of the total investment in Research and Development comes from public funding. View a film in English presenting MCE-5 technology: http://www.MCE-5.com/downloads/MCE-5_2008_GB.mpg
About the MCE-5 VCRi Technology:
The MCE-5 VCRi is the most advanced Variable Compression Ratio technology worldwide. It is an internal combustion (IC) engine capable of using all the technologies currently available for gasoline engines, such as direct injection, VVTs (Variable Valve Timing) or turbo-charging. IC engines have always progressed through the addition of new functions to improve their performance levels or energy efficiency. MCE-5 proposes an additional decisive function: compression ratio control. Reduction in fuel consumption ranges from 20% for small vehicles to up to 45% for high performance ones. After 12 years of R&D, this technology is now ready to enter into a mass production program, and could be mass-produced by 2016-2017.
