The Alternate Fuel Centre at ARAI has successfully completed over 100 diverse projects since 1992, demonstrating extensive expertise and experience in the field. These projects encompass a wide range of engine sizes, from compact 0.1-liter engines to larger 6-liter engines, catering to various automotive and industrial applications.

The engines developed and tested include configurations ranging from single-cylinder to multi-cylinder setups, ensuring versatility and adaptability for different operational requirements.

Furthermore, the projects address a broad spectrum of emission standards, spanning from BS2 to BS6 norms for automotive applications.

In addition, the centre has worked on engines designed for off-highway machinery, complying with Tier III and Tier IV standards, as well as generators and power units adhering to CPCB II and CPCB IV+ emission norms.

This comprehensive portfolio highlights the centre’s capability to develop and optimize engines for a variety of applications, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations and technological standards.

• Providing development and calibration support for engines utilizing a wide array of alternative fuels, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), HCNG, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, biogas, hydrogen, Dimethyl Ether (DME), and ammonia. This involves optimizing engine performance, efficiency, and emissions for each fuel type.
• Conducting testing and certification of hydrogen-powered engines to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, facilitating their adoption for various applications.
• Performing comprehensive testing of LNG engines to evaluate performance, emissions, and reliability under different operating conditions.
• Carrying out friction torque testing for various oil samples to assess their lubricating properties and impact on engine efficiency.
• Conducting comparative studies on on-road emission behaviour (RDE) when using conventional fuels versus alternative fuels, to understand environmental impacts and regulatory compliance.
• Offering domain-specific training programs aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and skills related to alternative fuels and modern engine technologies.
• Evaluating the performance of various fuel blends to determine optimal ratios for improved efficiency, emissions, and engine durability.
• Decoding and interpreting AIS (Automotive Industry Standards) to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Providing review and support services to ensure engine and system designs adhere to safety layout regulations, thereby ensuring safe operation and regulatory compliance.
• Developing innovative technologies such as dual-fuel systems, fumigation techniques, gem fuel blending, and Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion to advance engine efficiency and reduce emissions.

Use of these alternate fuels helps reduce the carbon footprint and GHG emission levels.