Automotive Research Centre (ARC)
Automotive Research Centre (ARC)
About Automotive Research Centre
The Automotive Research Centre (ARC) at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a hub for cutting-edge research in automotive engineering. Established in 2005 with funding from DST under the FIST scheme, ARC concentrates on innovative internal combustion engine combustion analysis, electric vehicles (EVs), and autonomous vehicles to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. The centre, initially part of the School of Mechanical Engineering, separated in 2016 to enhance its research capabilities and infrastructure, boasting facilities worth over Rs. 3.87 crore.Â
ARC’s research emphasizes developing efficient engines with high fuel conversion efficiency and meeting stringent emission norms through precise control over fuel injection parameters.
The Centre has led pioneering investigations into various areas of engine research, notably Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) and Low Temperature Combustion (LTC), alternative fuels (low carbon and carbon neutral), combustion system development, and engine tribology to align with the needs of the Indian automotive industry. The centre’s efforts align with the Indian government’s initiatives to promote electric vehicles (EVs) through tax benefits and the development of efficient power and traffic management systems. ARC also focuses on creating communication frameworks for electric vehicles in urban settings and developing intelligent transport systems using computational intelligence techniques.
In addition to its automotive research endeavours, VIT established the Centre of Excellence (having world-class laboratory facilities like high-end deep learning systems and edge computers like DGX1, DRIVE AGX Pegasus, Jetson AGX Xavier, XSens IMU, Velodyne lidars, radars, and cameras) for Autonomous Vehicles Research in 2019. This centre collaborates with partners like SUNY and NVIDIA to develop autonomous vehicles with L5 autonomy using AI-based solutions for obstacle detection, lane keeping, traffic sign detection, and more. The centre utilizes advanced technologies like deep learning systems and edge computers to drive research in autonomous vehicles and test algorithms in real electric vehicles on VIT test tracks. ARC has established state-of-the-art facilities to develop and test products in the field of self-driving vehicles. The centre has actively assisted automotive industries in niche areas and received grants from various funding agencies like DST, SERB, DRDO, etc.Â
Overall, ARC at VIT plays a crucial role in advancing automotive engineering through its focus on innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements in both traditional internal combustion engines and cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technologies.
Vision:
To provide cutting edge technology solutions for future transportation.
Mission
- To provide competitive technologies and products in electric and autonomous vehicles development to meet the requirements of the automotive industry.
- To develop competence for engine development using advanced combustion techniques and fuels such as CNG, hydrogen, methanol, and HCNG.
Academic Faculties
Major Research Areas
Internal Combustion Engines
- Hydrogen, CNG, Ammonia, Methanol & Ethanol
- Advanced combustion strategies
- Emission control and fuel formulation
- Engine management system
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
- Lithium-ion battery, testing & BMS
- Motor simulator & EV powertrain system
- Energy management strategy
- HIL and SIL
Autonomous Vehicles
- Next generation ITS for smart mobility
- Computational intelligence
- Algorithms for autonomous vehicles
- Environment perception
Insights
Research Highlights
- Developed Syngas fuelled gen-set engine for rural application with  minimum power derating.
- Team develops novel multi-fuel technology to run spark-ignition  engines either on CNG or LPG.
- Researchers develop a novel injection strategy for hydrogen-Â powered HCCI engine technology.
- Team establishes hybrid electric vehicle system for smart mobility.
- Team develops sustainability and composition based evaluation of  biofuel energy resources.
- Researchers work on three-wheeler electric vehicle for safer and  comfortable vehicles for the future.
- Researchers find alternative way of fuel metering system using  IoT techniques.
- Team develops framework for level 3 autonomy for smart mobility
- Researchers develop next generation ITS for smart mobility
Product developed
- Syngas Fuelled Gen-Set SI Engine
- Smart Inverter-e Compressor-E vehicle
Contact
Dr. Porpatham E
Professor Higher Academic Grade & Director
Automotive Research Centre
- 04162202270
- director.arc@vit.ac.in