The “Center for Mobile Propulsion”, in short CMP, is an ultramodern high-quality research center at RWTH Aachen University. Under the direction of Professor Stefan Pischinger from the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems, in short TME, 17 institutes jointly investigate modern, electrified powertrains for mobile applications in an interdisciplinary approach.

The CMP provides a worldwide unique infrastructure. Its spectrum ranges from numerous component test benches, for example for combustion engines, electric motors, traction batteries, fuel cells and transmissions, to complete powertrain test benches to highly modern HiL-test bench environments. Moreover, the CMP offers a sophisticated real-time network which enables the virtual coupling of individual component test benches to one interconnected test center via an EtherCat connection. By this, researchers can examine interactions of single components for dynamic cases of applications, consider the effects of different powertrain topologies and integrate necessary control strategies of the overall system already in an early project phase.

The CMP's modular set-up supports a consequent research of individual components and control concepts, which can be developed further independently without disregarding the overall system.

For the experimental investigation of different test specimens, the CMP with its 15 underground fuel tanks and a total capacity of 160,000 liters can provide a variety of fuels at each test bench. Beyond this, the CMP has five barrel stations that allow fuel to be provided to the test specimen from small containers, such as those frequently used for alternative fuels from biomass. The storage capacity for this is another 30,000 litres. In addition to liquid fuels, the test specimens can also be supplied with gaseous energy carriers such as natural gas, liquefied gas or hydrogen and DME. This is made possible by the CMP's own gas infrastructure.

For research and development on fuel cells, electric motors, batteries and electric drive units, EDU, the CMP has powerful bidirectional DC source sinks available. An optimally adapted system power between 60-500 kW, as well as a current and voltage range of up to 1000 A and 1000 V offer ideal conditions for testing.

Furthermore, the graduate school “Integrated Energy Supply Modules for Roadbound E-Mobility” funded by the German Research Foundation, in short DFG, is operating at the CMP. In total, 25 researchers work within the graduate school and explore research topics around the mobile powertrain.