University of Minnesota

The Automotive Propulsion Control Laboratory (APCL) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota is equipped with high speed prototype control systems, a transient dynamometer, various sensing mechanisms for mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems, fuel consumption and emissions measurement instruments, laser diagnostics and GCMS. Here is a list of unique testbeds for evaluating advanced controls for propulsion systems in our lab:

  • Free piston engine testbed
  • Camless engine testbed
  • Controlled trajectory rapid compression and expansion machine (CT-RCEM)
  • Connected and autonomous vehicles and hybrid powertrain testbed

Free Piston Engine

Camless Engine

Controlled Trajectory Rapid Compression Expansion Machine (CT-RCEM)

Connected and Autonomous Vehicle HIL Testbed