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We have reported the innovation of “An Intelligent Catalyst” which has the function for self-regeneration of Pd realized through the solid solution and segregation of Pd in a perovskite crystal [1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]. We have looked for a design configuration for LaFePdO3 perovskite in the washcoat by comparing single and double layer washcaots as well as different loading locations for precious metals in order to maximize the Intelligent Catalyst's function in the practical conditions. The catalysts were attached to an engine exhaust system and subjected to an accelerated aging. The bed temperature of the catalysts reached to 1050 °C. The performance of the catalysts was evaluated on the engine dynamometer. Catalytic activity and long durability were improved by development of the washcoat configuration. The optimum design of the washcoat was double-layer with a tri-metal (Pt, Rh and Pd) system. The perovskite was located in the lower layer.

The influences of the transmittable torque capacity were evaluated using commercial CVT unit. We found that the contact surface between the belt and pulley lie in boundary lubrication. The maximum torque capacity difference among all tested fluids reached up to 40%. In order to analyze the friction characteristics of contact parts of CVT, a block on disk type friction test was created. As a result, the torque capacity in actual CVT correlated with the friction coefficient of the friction test. In addition, the effects of oil additives on the torque capacity were investigated. The combination of detergent (overbased calcium sulfonate) and phosphorus additive was the most effective for increasing friction coefficient. The formation of calcium carbonate, iron phosphate, and calcium phosphate on the friction surface possibly has a great impact on the increment torque capacity.

The use of Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATFs) with lower viscosity and excellent anti-shudder durability for wet clutch system will be effective for improving fuel saving performance in automatic transmissions. In this study, two ATF formulation techniques were examined. The first trial formulation is to improve fatigue life in gear components even if a lower viscosity ATF is used. The second one is to improve anti-shudder durability for wet lock-up clutch system in AT units. As to fatigue life performance, the relation between molecular weight of Viscosity Index Improver (VII) and film formation property in EHL contact regions were experimentally investigated. ATFs containing VIIs with lower molecular weight tend to increasing EHL film thickness, resulting in a longer gear pitting fatigue life. Calcium detergents and ashless friction modifiers in ATFs were found to give a great impact on the anti-shudder performance.

The aim of this study is to investigate how lubricants used for transaxles in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) give an impact on the cooling performance for electric motors. As a result, reducing lubricant viscosity improve heat transfer in both natural and forced convection conditions. Quantitative analysis could reveal that kinetic viscosity and heat conductivity of fluids are highly influential on the cooling performance. In addition, we investigated the effect of lubricant additive on fatigue life in bearing components by using a thrust needle roller bearing tester. Extreme pressure agent could control a morphology of the bearing raceway surface, playing a role in extending a fatigue life of the bearing.