In order to exploit the main benefits of gas-powered engines, the aim of the GasON project is to develop CNG-only, mono-fuel-engines able to comply with

• Post Euro 6 noxious emissions
• 2020+ CO2 emissions targets
• New homologation cycle and Real Driving conditions
• Improved engine efficiency and vehicle performance also with regard to its CNG range capability.

These engines, based on new combustion processes, require also dedicated technological solutions for:

• Innovative injection, ignition and boosting system concepts
• Advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment system
• Detecting the gas-quality and its composition

The project aims to maximize the benefits of different technologies useful for CNG engines, by means of a full synergic approach, adopting simultaneously advanced combustion approaches aided by innovative injection system; it will be possible to exploit high knocking tolerance of CNG increasing efficiency by means of high and/or variable compression ratio, matched to dedicated boosting and variable valve actuation. The simultaneous improvement of air, combustion, ignition and injection management can provide huge benefits, in comparison with previous approaches adopting single technology. Stoichiometric and lean burn combustion approaches remain both valid if assisted by the right air and injection management on one side, and by the dedicated after treatment system on the other side. A key issue of the proposal is represented by the development and application of the direct gaseous injection technology, to enhance boosting efficiency at low engine speed with benefit both in terms of performance and CO2 emission reduction. To increase efficiency beyond the Direct Injection (DI) technology, an extended lean burn combustion with Lambda up to 2 and higher diesel-like cylinder pressure is needed. The consortium therefore included, within the proposal, the development of a non-DI CNG lean burn concept on prototype system level as a possible future efficiency benchmark based on a diesel engine. Jointly with powertrain technologies, advanced storage systems will enable higher driving range equivalent to conventional fuel, without compromise on the vehicle trunk capacity and partially removing the last gap due to the lack of a suitable refuelling infrastructure.