Crosscut Lean Exhaust Emissions Reduction Simulations
Stored: Crosscut Lean Exhaust Emissions Reduction Simulations
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Vehicle Technologies Office |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | Energy Policy Act of 1992 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | CLEERS aims to develop simulation tools for efficient, low-emission engine systems. It supports collaboration to advance emissions control tech. |
| Program Start | 2001 |
| Initial Funding | Not publicly specified |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
Crosscut Lean Exhaust Emissions Reduction Simulations (CLEERS) is a long-term program initiated by the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office to enhance the development of computational tools for simulating advanced lean-burn engine systems and their emissions control technologies. The program’s primary purpose is to create accurate and efficient simulation tools that help design, calibrate, and control next-generation engines to maximize fuel efficiency while meeting stringent emissions regulations. CLEERS fosters collaboration among industry, universities, and national laboratories, addressing a critical need identified by the DOE Advanced Engine Crosscut Team for pre-competitive research to overcome barriers to commercializing high-efficiency combustion engines.
Goals
- Develop computationally efficient simulation tools for full-system performance of lean-burn engines and emissions control systems.
- Support collaboration between industry, academia, and DOE labs to share pre-competitive data and models.
- Identify and address key research needs in emissions control, with a focus on reducing NOx, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.
- Coordinate national laboratory efforts to align with industry priorities, targeting measurable improvements in engine efficiency and emissions reduction.
Organization
CLEERS is organized under the Vehicle Technologies Office within the Department of Energy, with strategic guidance from the DOE Advanced Engine Crosscut Team, a group comprising representatives from automotive and heavy-duty engine manufacturers and government agencies. The program is coordinated by the CLEERS Coordinating Committee, which includes industry and national laboratory representatives reporting to the Crosscut Team. An advisory committee of industrial and academic experts provides additional input on planning and priorities. Funding primarily comes from the Department of Energy, though specific amounts are not publicly detailed and vary annually based on federal budgets and project needs. The program’s leader holds the title of "CLEERS Coordinator," currently filled by a senior researcher from a DOE national laboratory, though the exact name varies with appointments.
History
CLEERS originated in 2001 as a response to the growing need for advanced simulation tools to support the development of lean-burn engines, which promise higher efficiency but pose challenges for emissions control. The program was established under the broader framework of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which encouraged energy efficiency and alternative fuel technologies. It emerged from recommendations by the DOE Advanced Engine Crosscut Team, which identified simulation tools as a bottleneck in engine commercialization. Key milestones include the launch of annual CLEERS Workshops in 2002, which have since become a vital forum for sharing research. Over time, CLEERS has evolved to incorporate emerging technologies like selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filters (DPF), with plans for continued expansion into hybrid and alternative fuel systems as sustainability goals intensify.
Funding
CLEERS receives its primary funding through the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, with initial funding established in 2001, though exact figures are not publicly specified due to integration within broader DOE budgets. Funding began with the program’s inception and remains ongoing, with annual allocations adjusted based on federal priorities and research needs. Additional funding has been authorized periodically to support specific projects, such as collaborations with national labs like Oak Ridge and Pacific Northwest. The program is financed through federal appropriations, with contributions from industry partners in the form of data and expertise rather than direct monetary support.
Implementation
CLEERS operates by coordinating research efforts across DOE national laboratories, universities, and industry stakeholders. Its methods include developing and disseminating pre-competitive data, models, and simulation tools, often validated through experimental studies. The program rolls out its work in phases, with annual workshops serving as key checkpoints for sharing progress and setting research agendas. Implementation focuses on practical applications, such as improving catalyst performance and engine-aftertreatment integration, without a defined end date due to its ongoing nature.
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