Patrick Kirchen

Patrick Kirchen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Alberta, a Dr. sc. Techn. from ETH Zurich, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT. His research focuses on thermochemical energy conversion, combustion, and ion transport membrane (ITM) reactors.

• B.Sc., University of Alberta
• M.Sc., University of Alberta
• Dr. sc. Techn., ETH Zurich
• Postdoctoral Associate, MIT

His research explores combustion fundamentals in internal combustion engines, including fuel type and injection strategies to reduce emissions. He is developing an optical engine testing facility for transient engine operation analysis. Additionally, he investigates ITM reactors for oxy-fuel combustion and methane partial oxidation, combining numerical and experimental approaches to enhance reactor efficiency and selectivity.

The 15 most recent publications highlight his work in dual-fuel engines, combustion diagnostics, ITM reactor modeling, and emission reduction strategies. Scientific awards include the 2019 Killam Teaching Prize. His lab at UBC focuses on experimental and analytical tools for engine and membrane reactor optimization.

• Killam Teaching Prize, 2019