GENERAL INTRODUCTION (RCPSAV)

RESEARCH CENTER FOR PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

About Us

The Research Center for Propulsion Systems and Autonomous Vehicles (RCPSAV) is a research unit of School of Mechanical Engineering - Hanoi University of Science and Technology, dedicated to advancing propulsion systems, sustainable and green fuels, emission reduction, and autonomous vehicle technologies.

Founded in 2004 as an internal combustion engine laboratory, the Center has evolved in response to global transitions in energy and mobility. In 2021, the Center was officially renamed to expand its research directions in the fields of green propulsion systems and intelligent autonomous vehicles.

Over more than 20 years of operation, the Center has developed into a strong and reputable research unit in the fields of propulsion systems, fuels, and emission reduction for transportation applications. At the same time, the Center has established and continues to strengthen collaborations among laboratories and research groups to advance research and technology development in new energy systems and autonomous vehicles, addressing the demands for energy efficiency, green and environmentally friendly energy, and intelligent transportation in the era of Industry 4.0.

Leadership

• Director: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huu Tuyen

• Deputy Director: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Luong

Objectives

To advance high-efficiency, environmentally friendly propulsion systems and autonomous vehicles through impactful research, technology transfer, and high-quality education.

Research Focus

RCPSAV conducts interdisciplinary research across the following areas:

• Advanced propulsion and powertrain systems

• Alternative, low-carbon, and green fuels

• Emission control and after-treatment technologies

• Energy efficiency and sustainable transportation

• Autonomous and intelligent vehicle systems

Our research integrates experimental facilities, system modeling, and real-world applications to address pressing challenges in energy transition and transport decarbonization.

Research Excellence

The Center has led and contributed to a broad portfolio of competitive research projects at national and international levels, including government-funded programs and regional collaborations such as AUN/SEED-Net.

Research conducted at RCPSAV has resulted in approximately 250 peer-reviewed publications, with around 100 articles published in ISI/Scopus-indexed international journals and conferences, reflecting strong international visibility and research impact.

Global Partnerships

RCPSAV maintains active collaborations with universities, research institutes, and industry partners in Asia and beyond. These partnerships support joint research, technology transfer, and industrial consultancy in the automotive, energy, and transportation sectors.

Through close cooperation with institutional and industrial stakeholders, the Center bridges fundamental research and practical implementation, contributing to innovation-driven economic and environmental sustainability.

Education and Training

The Center actively contributes to postgraduate and undergraduate education at Hanoi University of Science and Technology:

• Experimental research supporting 40 PhD candidates in Vehicle Engineering

• Research engagement for over 150 Master’s students

• Hands-on laboratory training and final-year projects for approximately 400 undergraduate students annually

RCPSAV also hosts graduate students from partner universities across Vietnam, fostering academic exchange and capacity building.

Impact and Outreach

Beyond academic research activities, the Center actively contributes to human resource development and community engagement through industry collaboration, career orientation initiatives such as Open Days and laboratory visits, and participation in the development of standards, technical regulations, and policies related to alternative/green fuels. These initiatives promote awareness of sustainable mobility and engineering careers among prospective students.

Contact

Address: Building C15, Hanoi University of Science and Technology,

No. 1 Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Email: tuyen.phamhuu@hust.edu.vn