21/05/2026
From simulations to combustion: this is how our PEP department brought Eco-Runner XVI’s powertrain to life.
Before Christmas, the complete system was designed using engineering software such as Siemens NX, Amesim, Star CCM+, and Altium. While the first PCB designs had already been produced and tested in November, the new year marked the start of physical production.
One of the first major milestones was manufacturing and testing the combustion chamber. Initial prototypes were produced using alternative materials to validate the concept before moving to the final design. Based on these results, the definitive combustion chamber was manufactured using turning and milling techniques and extensively tested to achieve stable, complete combustion and target temperatures at specific air and fuel flows.
Following this, development of the recuperator began. Once successfully integrated, the e-turbo will be incorporated into the system. In parallel, the e-turbo is currently being tested independently to validate its performance.
At the same time, battery development continued. Thanks to a bidirectional load provided by Delta Elektronika, we were able to both supply and absorb electrical power, allowing us to test the system in both operating directions. Eventually, the battery will store electricity generated by the micro gas turbine and provide the power required to start the e-turbo system.
Right now, the focus is on integration: bringing all individually developed systems together into one fully functioning vehicle. This June, we will head to Twente Airport for testing, before concluding the year driving on Circuit Zandvoort!
