DECARBONIZZAZIONE DEL POWERTRAIN: EFFICIENTAMENTO DEI MOTORI TERMICI ED ELETTRIFICAZIONE DEL POWERTRAIN PER MOBILITÀ SOSTENIBILE ENTRO IL 2050 SUPPORTATI DA CFD.

The pressing issues of global warming and the greenhouse effect have instigated a paradigm shift in the automotive industry towards reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This shift has driven the exploration of various technologies for improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICEs) and the development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This master’s thesis delves into the multifaceted field of vehicle powertrain electrification, addressing the critical need to mitigate the environmental impact of the transportation sector. The work reported in this thesis collects the activity of 6 months of internship at the Fiat Research Centre in Valenzano and encompasses several key aspects: • enhancing Internal Combustion Engines efficiency: an extensive study was undertaken to explore technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of ICEs. This investigation involved simulations using ANSYS Forte to assess the performance of various combustion strategies and advanced engine components; • Battery Electric Vehicle benchmarking: the study involved the benchmarking of electric vehicle batteries, with a specific focus on addressing the challenges related to battery thermal management and thermal runaway. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different thermal management strategies in ensuring the safety and longevity of battery packs; • electrochemical behaviour simulations: the research extends to the electrochemical behaviour of battery cells, simulated using ANSYS Fluent. These simulations shed light on the intricate chemical processes within battery cells, aiding in the optimization of battery performance and longevity; • battery pack cooling simulations: the study also encompasses simulations of entire battery packs, including coolant fluids, using ANSYS Fluent. These simulations are essential for assessing the thermal performance and ensuring the safety and reliability of BEV powertrains. By addressing these facets of vehicle powertrain electrification, this thesis contributes to the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions. The results and insights obtained from this research are expected to play a pivotal role in the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.