Testing and Prototyping

RPL Lab

Rapid Prototyping and Applied Engineering Lab (RPL)

Founded in 2019, the RPL designs and builds custom solutions to complex engineering challenges.

The RPL maintains a machine and fabrication shop with capabilities in welding, waterjet, sheet metal work, milling, 3-D printing, and more.

Additionally, the RPL’s staff have experience with data acquisition systems such as LabView, and are available to accelerate the development work of Colorado State University researchers.

The RPL supports cutting-edge research across CSU as well as the broader innovation ecosystem across the county. Contact the RPL directly to see how they can help you.

Equipment & Instrument Core Facility

Housed within the Powerhouse Energy Campus are dozens of engines, dynos, exhaust gas analyzers, generators, load banks, thermal testbeds, and other testing equipment. All of the equipment and analytical instrumentation is available for Colorado State University researchers to use for conducting their research programs.

Equipment in the EECL
Equipment in the EECL
Equipment in the EECL

Equipment (partial list)

Currently Installed/Operational:

  • Caterpillar G3304 7.0L  95hp Natural Gas engine
  • Cummins QSK50 50.3L diesel, 2250hp @1900 rpm
  • Cummins QSK19G, 1-6 LB NG 4-s 19L, 471hp
  • Cooper-Bessermer GMV-4TF 1-4, Learn Burn 2-s, 140L, 440hp, Natural Gas Compression Engine
  • John Deere 4045H, 175hp T3 Diesel Engine
  • Waukesha F-2 CFR 0.61L Methane Number Engine
  • Cummins QSB 6.7 L, 300hp T4 Final Diesel Engine
  • Caterpillar CG 137-8

Formerly Worked On:

  • Caterpillar G3304 7.0L  95hp Natural Gas engine
  • John Deere 6068H, 250hp T2 Diesel Engine
  • Guascor SFGLD 180 Single Cylinder 3 I NG Research Engine

Our specific areas of expertise

Industrial Natural Gas and Diesel Engine Testing – Our work is primarily focused on:

  • Advanced ignition systems (laser, micropilot, pre-combustion chamber)
  • After-treatment (SCR, 3-way catalysts, NSCR, oxidation catalysts)
  • Fuel Injection Technology
  • Dual fuel engine development

Fuels Analysis and Characterization

  • Methane number measurement in CFR engine and fuel blending of alternative fuels
  • Liquid fuels analysis: Corrosion, Acid No., Iodine No., Speed of Sound, Flashpoint, Cold Flow Properties, Viscosity, Metals, and Heating Value
  • Waukesha FIT Ignition Quality Tester

Air pollution formation and control – emissions formation in internal combustion engines, two-stroke engines, and engines operating on alternative fuels, including biodiesel. Research methods include:

  • Chemical kinetics
  • Combustion analysis
  • Optical diagnostics
  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • In-cylinder sampling

Toxic contaminants and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) – a class of mutagenic and carcinogenic pollutants produced during combustion. We specialize in:

  • Measurement
  • Experimental Studies
  • Analytical / Chemical Kinetic Modeling
  • Mitigation
  • Legislative Support

Please contact Kirk Evans for more information.