Shell launch new centre at Imperial for research into fuels and lubricants

Energy and petrochemical company Shell will work with Imperial to establish a University Technology Centre for research to improve energy efficiency. The Centre, based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will focus on ways to enhance fuel efficiency in engines, improve lubricant design and reduce friction in all types of machine component. The key mission of researchers in both fuels and lubricants is to increase machine efficiency by reducing energy consumption and thus helping to minimise CO₂ emissions. For fuels this means improving combustion and limiting the formation of deposits in engines. For lubricants it is about continually reducing friction in all types of machine ranging from automotive engines to mining equipment. The Centre aims to replicate a similar, highly successful programme between the Department of Mechanical Engineering and SKF , the world's leading bearing company, which has been running since 2010. Research conducted by the SKF University Technology Centre has contributed directly to the company's ability to predict and improve bearing performance as well as informing research and development strategies within SKF.