Research Lines
► Combustion of gaseous fuels
Aim: Deepen in the study of the kinetic, chemical, heat and fluid dynamics phenomena present in the combustion of gaseous fuels, so that related problems with the properties of combustion, structure, propagation and stability of flame may be resolved, combustion optimization, flame pollutant mechanisms formation, heat transference from flame and design and innovation of technological combustion equipment utilizing gaseous fuels.
► Influence of atmospheric conditions on heat energy systems
Aim: Evaluating the effects of altitude, room temperature and relative humidity on combustion quality, efficiency and power and their economic and environmental implications in the design and operation of heat energy systems: gas combustion equipment, heat engines, gas- based-heat- power generation plants and refrigeration equipment. Carry out technological innovations adaptable to the Colombian context, attenuating the negative effects of the atmospheric conditions.
► Heat engines and alternative fuels
Aim: Develop, characterize and optimize new fuels for engines of alternative internal combustion as natural gas and those of biological sources.
► Implementation of natural gas in power generation
Aim: Study, under the context of Colombian atmospheric conditions, and of domestic energy policies, the implementation and optimum operation of technologies for the utilization of natural gas in power generation: gas turbines, combined cycle power generation plants, energy cogeneration and distributed power systems.
► Sensible use of energy
Aim: Evaluate economic requirements and develop technological innovations to be able to visualize the programs deriving from Law 697 of 2001 on the sensible use of the energy, having as bench mark the following problems: Improving the efficiency of energy conversion of equipment and systems. Evaluate substitution processes among energy sources. Evaluate the possibility of complementarity among energy sources. Energy efficiency and its relation with the decrease of greenhouse effect gases.
► Energy economy
Aim: Study and evaluate the economic and heat economy aspects in the development project, economic feasibility, reliability and availability of energy resources, particularly of natural gas, electricity and engine fuels.