CRMT invites you to discover the various innovations developed through its engine engineering, vehicle engineering, and emissions measurement activities.

World Creativity and Innovation Day: what is it?

Initiated by the United Nations in 2017, this day aims to promote the importance of creativity and innovation in our society. It notably highlights the impact that creativity and innovation have on sustainable development.

Innovation plays a key role in our societies. It is therefore essential to foster creative thinking to apply our skills to projects addressing critical challenges such as climate change and rising pollution levels. Far more than just an idea, innovation is a major driver of social and environmental transformation.

CRMT: a research center and innovator in alternative fuels

Innovation has always been part of CRMT’s DNA. Founded in 1977 by 30 passionate professors from Centrale Lyon, the activities of the Centre de Recherche en Machines Thermiques have been structured around research and development on internal combustion engines, with the goal of optimizing these technologies to make them more efficient.

In the late 1990s, CRMT’s direction evolved following the acquisition of the company by Romano Artioli, a key figure in the Italian automotive industry. He further developed the company’s expertise in alternative fuel powertrains, with a clear objective: contributing to the decarbonization of mobility.

Since then, CRMT has built strong expertise in gaseous fuels, implementing low-carbon solutions using BioCNG and hydrogen.

A cross-functional expertise in biofuels

With over 30 years of experience in BioCNG, CRMT has developed, through its integrated engineering office, several vehicle engineering solutions:

• range extension kits for street sweepers
• BioCNG and hydrogen retrofit solutions for various types of vehicles
• optimized integration of storage systems

As the only company offering BioCNG retrofit solutions, CRMT has designed and homologated a retrofit solution for Euro VI coaches. A world-first that enables operators to combine environmental and economic benefits with a solution that is immediately operational.

Other innovative projects around tank integration have also been developed.

At the same time, CRMT’s engine expertise has enabled the company to carry out ambitious engine retrofit projects, converting diesel engines to CNG or hydrogen, notably through the development of an open ECU.

The CRMT ECU: a flexible, modular, and constantly evolving system

Since developing the first version of its Engine Control Unit (ECU) C5 in 2009, CRMT has continuously improved its ECU through multiple development phases to make it ever more efficient.

Designed to operate with various types of engines and low-carbon fuels (BioCNG, hydrogen, ethanol, etc.), this modular ECU is a true driver of innovation.

Today, CRMT is actively working on its development to ensure it performs just as efficiently with hydrogen engines as it does with BioCNG engines.

These innovative projects, driven by strong R&D capabilities, enable CRMT to better understand the challenges associated with alternative fuel powertrains.

This expertise is further strengthened by a key capability: measuring and analyzing emissions to better guide development.

R&D measurement at CRMT: understanding to better solve

Beyond engineering, CRMT has also positioned itself as a pioneer in emissions measurement. The company was among the first to carry out non-exhaust emissions measurements. These studies have generated fundamental data to better understand and characterize emissions from brake and tire particles.

This work has notably been carried out in collaboration with Université Gustave Eiffel through several projects:

• CAEFE: a study and design project for a system collecting brake particles
• HORECHAP: a project focused on the design and study of various non-exhaust emissions on heavy-duty vehicles

All these projects illustrate CRMT’s ability to produce key data, essential for anticipating regulatory developments and guiding the creation of ever more efficient and sustainable solutions.

CRMT: shaping tomorrow

World Creativity and Innovation Day is the perfect opportunity to highlight the many innovations developed by CRMT. Through its R&D projects and operational solutions, the company has been actively contributing for nearly 50 years to the energy transition of the transport sector.

Whether supporting industrial partners, operators, or developing its own innovations, CRMT pursues a clear objective: delivering concrete, efficient solutions tailored to environmental challenges.

Interested in discussing an innovative biofuel project? Contact us!